•ecoNo copy 

16*9. 




LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



Chap.. ..__._ Copyright No. 
Shelf___._A.-AZ, 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



HANDY BOOK 

OF 

Medical Progress 



A LEXICON OF THE RECENT ADVANCES 
IN MEDICAL SCIENCE 



BY 

CHARLES WARRENXE ALLEN, M.D. 

CONSULTING DERMATOLOGIST TO THE RANDALL'S ISLAND HOSPITALS ; CON- 
SULTING SURGEON (GENITO-UR1NARY) TO THE CITY HOSPITAL J 
ATTENDING SURGEON (DEPARTMENT OF SKIN) GOOD 
SAMARITAN DISPENSARY, ETC. 

AND 

JACOB SOBEL, A.B., M.D. 

DERMATOLOGICAL ASSISTANT AT THE GOOD SAMARITAN DISPENSARY ; MEMBER 
OP THE MEDICAL SOCIETY OF THE COUNTY OF NEW YORK, 
HARLEM MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, ETC. 



NEW YORK 
WILLIAM WOOD AND COMPANY 

MDCCCXCIX 



<\\7,\ 



38707 



Copyright, 1899, 
By WILLIAM WOOD AND COMPANY 



TWOCOPtt-o kSCEIVED* 







PREFACE 



So rapidly do the advances in the various branches of 
medical science multiply, that one finds it an almost im- 
possible task to keep abreast of the times without the aid 
of what might be called concentrated literature. In cur- 
rent publications many terms and neologisms are em- 
ployed long before they find their way into text-books, 
encyclopaedias, and dictionaries. For these reasons the 
authors have been led to compile an alphabetically ar- 
ranged volume, giving so far as possible the meaning of 
new terms and value of the new discoveries in the realms 
of practical medicine. The book includes the more recent 
and novel names of diseases, tests, methods, drugs, ther- 
apeutic and surgical suggestions, etc. 

It would have been impossible and unwise in a work of 
this kind to attempt even an enumeration of all the reme- 
dies recently introduced. In other branches as well, omis- 
sions have occurred, since to incorporate all the novelties 
of medicine, even for a single year, would call for a vol- 
ume whose size would defeat the ends of condensation and 
portability . While the authors cannot individualize, they 
desire to express in a general way their indebtedness to 
the numerous foreign and domestic journals, periodicals, 
and monographs from which they have freely drawn. 
When expedient, the source of information has been ac- 



IV PREFACE. 

knowledged, with the name of the author, journal, and date. 
When a given term is not in itself strictly new, there will 
usually be found something of a progressive nature in the 
subject-matter placed under the title. 

If this little work should furnish a means of conveni- 
ently and rapidly acquiring information relative to the 
newer advances, the endeavors of the authors will have 
been fulfilled. 
New York, May 1, 1899. 



HANDY BOOK 

OF 

MEDICAL PROGRESS. 



Abasia. — A term applied by Blocq to motor incoordina- 
tion in walking. Observed most frequently in hysteria. 
Muscular strength and sensation are not disturbed. 

Abulia. — An absence or defect of will-power, observed 
in conditions of hysteria, neurasthenia, melancholia, and 
morphinism. 

Acanthosis Nigricans, or Keratosis Nigricans (Ka- 
posi). — Grayish-brown or brownish-black warty growths 
occurring on the back of the neck and in the pectoral and 
axillary folds. It is a disease of adult life, and the pa- 
tients as a rule die within a comparatively short time after 
its development, usually of carcinoma of some of the ab- 
dominal viscera, especially the stomach. 

Acetal. — Hypnotic in doses of 3 ss. to 3 ii. It contains 
one molecule of aldehyde and two of alcohol. 

Acetanilid (Antifebrin). — Analgesic, antirheumatic, and 

antithermic. The product of acetic acid on aniline. A pure 

white crystalline powder, of silky lustre, scarcely soluble 

in cold water, giving a slight burning taste to the tongue. 

May be given in wafers, in elixir, or in strong wine. Dose, 

gr. ii. to viii. 
1 



2 HANDY BOOK OF 

It has also been used as an antiseptic powder, ointment, 
and as a gauze, for ulcers, wounds, etc. 

Caution. — This drug may produce cyanosis and sudden 
collapse. 

Actol. — See Silver Lactate. 

Acetonuria. — A pathological condition, in which the 
urine shows the presence of acetone. Yon Jaksch classi- 
fies the following forms of pathological acetonuria : 

1. The febrile. 2. The diabetic. 3. Acetonuria in cer- 
tain forms of carcinoma which have as yet not led to inani- 
tion. 4. The acetonuria of inanition. 5. The occurrence 
of acetonuria in psychoses. 6. Auto-intoxication. 7. Di- 
gestive disturbances. 8. Chloroform narcosis. 

According to Knapp, death of the foetus is accompanied 
by the appearance of acetone in the mother's urine. 

Tests. — To a few cubic centimetres of urine add a few 
drops of a freshly prepared concentrated solution of nitro- 
prusside of sodium, and also a few drops of strong sodium 
or potassium hydrate. The fluid takes on a red color, 
which rapidly becomes paler, but assumes a purple-red or 
violet-red color upon the addition of acetic acid. If there 
be no acetone present, the fluid does not become purple- 
red upon the addition of acetic acid (Legal) . 

To a few cubic centimetres of urine add a few drops of 
potassium hydrate and Lugol's solution. If acetone be 
present, a precipitate of iodoform crystals, with a distinct 
iodoform odor, forms in a few minutes (Lieben). 

See also Chautard's Test. 

Acetphenetidin. — Synonymous with phenacetin and 
the preferable term for prescription writing. 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 3 

Achillodynia (Achillobursitis). — A condition which con- 
sists in the inability to walk or stand erect on account of 
the existence of pains situated at the insertion of the tendo 
Achillis. The pain is generally due to the inflammation 
of a bursa situated between the tendon and the tuberosity 
of the os calcis. 

Achroacytosis. — The replacement of glandular tissue 
by lymph cells. 

Achromatopsia.— Partial or complete color-blindness. 
Of occasional occurrence in hysteria. 

Achylia Gastrica. — Also called atrophy of the stomach, 
anadenia ventriculi, and phthisis ventriculi. This name 
was first used by Dr. Einhorn for a condition of the stom- 
ach in which there was destruction of the glandular struc- 
tures with resulting secretory disturbances, absence of free 
and combined hydrochloric acid, pepsin, and rennet. The 
motility of the stomach is perfectly intact, thus distinguish- 
ing it from carcinoma. As a result of the condition there 
is no stagnation, fermentation, or lactic-acid formation, 
and the patient may enjoy comparatively good health for a 
number of years, the greater part of digestion being done 
by the intestinal juices. 

Acrodynia. — Same as pellagra. 

Acromegaly, or Acromegalia. — A disease first de- 
scribed by Marie and characterized by a considerable en- 
largement of the hands (spade hand) and feet, a thickened 
and plump condition of the face with enlargement of the 
nose, lips, tongue, superior and inferior maxilla. The 
lower jaw may become so much enlarged as to project be- 



4 HANDY BOOK OF 

yond the upper (prognathous). It is a disease of adult 
life and seems to occur more frequently in women, in 
whom the first symptom may be a cessation of menstrua- 
tion. The patients often complain of severe pains in the 
head and extremities. The spinal column may show 
kyphosis late in the disease ; sugar may be detected in the 
urine, and diminution in vision (optic neuritis) and hemi- 
anopsia are common enough. The disease begins as a rule 
in the hands, is insidious in onset and slow and progres- 
sive in its course, death usually being due to intercurrent 
disease or cachexia. 

The pathology of the disease is not very well understood. 
Most cases seem to depend upon an enlargement of the hy- 
pophysis or pituitary body ; in other instances enlargement 
of the thymus and thyroid has been found. 

Acroparesthesia. — A name first used by Fr. Schultze 
for uncomfortable and painful sensations at the tips of the 
extremities. It is a disease of adult life and is observed 
more frequently in women than in men. The sensory dis- 
turbances consist in pricking, burning, sticking, and tear- 
ing, and are situated principally in the fingers and finger- 
tips. The feet and toes are less frequently attacked. 
Both hands are as a rule affected, occasionally one is more 
involved than the other. The motor power, reflexes, and 
sensibility are intact. Occasionally vaso-motor disturb- 
ances — cyanosis, coldness, hyperidrosis — are observed. 

Acrophobia. — Fear of high places. 

Addison's Disease. — An affection due to a lesion of the 
suprarenal capsules or abdominal sympathetic, and charac- 
terized by a profound asthenia, cardiac weakness, debility, 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 5 

emaciation, gastric irritability, and a bronze coloration of 
the skin and mucous membranes. The pigmentation is 
deeper on the exposed parts — face, hands, neck — and in 
those regions in which pigmentation is more intense under 
normal condition, viz., the scrotum and breasts. The 
mucous membranes most frequently involved are the lips, 
cheeks, tongue, conjunctiva, and vagina. The prognosis is 
bad, death usually occurring in from a few weeks in acute 
cases to a few years in the more prolonged ones. 

Although usually a disease of adult life, Dezerot {Klin, 
therap. Wochen., September 18, 1898) has observed three 
cases in children, and has collected from literature forty- 
eight instances occurring in children from seven days to 
fourteen and a half years old. 

Adenoid Face. — A stupid and semi-idiotic expression 
with a long, high nose and flattening of the bridge, narrow 
nostrils, drooping jaw, open mouth, irregularity of the up- 
per teeth, and broadening between the eyes. 

Siebenmann claims that the narrow, high, arching palate 
has no connection with the existence of adenoids. 

Adonidin. — A glucoside of Adonis vernalis, used in 
regulating the heart in doses of gr. -J to J in pill-form. 

Adrenals. — Synonymous with the suprarenal capsules. 

Aeroductor. — An invention of Wiedmann to relieve 
asphyxia in the foetus when the aftercoming head is 
retained. 

Agar- Agar. — Recommended by Gallois for inflamma- 
tory skin affections, especially erysipelas. He uses a one- 
per-cent watery solution to which is added 0.1 per cent 



6 HANDY BOOK OF 

percliloride of mercury and tartaric acid. It forms a thin 
coating, which dries rapidly. It is inexpensive. 

Agaricin. — The active principle from agaric. It con- 
sists of a white crystalline powder and is used in pill-form 
for the night sweats of phthisis. The dose is gr. y 1 ^ to \. 
It also checks the bronchial secretion and dries up the 
milk. 

Agathin (Salicyl - methyl - phenylhydrazone) . — Anti- 
rheumatic agent. Dose, gr. v. to gr. x. t.i.d. 

Ageusia. — Absence or loss of the sense of taste. 

Agoraphobia. — Dread or fear of open places and spaces. 

Agraphia. — There is a sensory and a motor agraphia, 
the former being the inability to express an idea in writing, 
the latter consisting in the loss of voluntary writing. 

Aiodine. — A new preparation of thyroid obtained by 
Schoerges (Nouveaux RemMes, August 24, 1898). It re- 
sults from precipitating with tannin the iodo-albuminates, 
bases, and mucous substances of the thyroid gland. It is 
said to keep better than thyroid. 

Lanz {Berliner Minische Wocliemchrift, April 25, 1898) 
has found it useful after thyroidectomy and in hyperplastic 
goitre. 

Airoform. — Another name for airol. 

Airol (Oxyiodogallate of Bismuth). — One of the many 
substitutes for iodoform. A dark-green powder, odorless, 
non-poisonous, non-irritating, having antiseptic, analgesic, 
and styptic properties, increasing granulations, and dimin- 
ishing secretions. 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. I 

Aktinography (same as skiagraphy). — A term used 
especially in Germany. 

Albolene. — A liquid petroleum product used in nose and 
throat affections. It serves as an excellent vehicle for men- 
thol, cocaine, benzoic and boric acids, gaultheria, etc. It 
is generally used with a special atomizer. 

Albumin: Tests for. — (a) Truax. Pour three to five 
cubic centimetres of urine into a test-tube and gently 
add half the amount of alcohol. If albumin be pres- 
ent, a white line will form between the two fluids, similar 
to the albumin ring of Heller's test (see page 81). Xot 
reliable. 

(h) Trichlor-acetic acid. Take two small test-tubes, each 
having a foot. Into one place 5 c.c. of the urine as voided 
and put it aside ; into the other place the same amount after 
it has been filtered. Into the latter drop slowly the reagent, 
drop after drop, until opalescence or flocculency is noticed. 
If after the addition of thirty drops (2 c.c.) of the reagent no 
opalescence or sedimentation occurs, it may be concluded 
that the specimen of urine is free from albuminous sub- 
stances. Finally, compare the urines in the two test-tubes 
with each other, and note carefully if the turbidity in the 
urine which was subjected to the reagent is of a greater de- 
gree than that of the unfiltered urine. An increased tur- 
bidity is invariably indicative of the presence of some pro- 
teid material. The trichlor-acetic acid test reacts with 
mucin and other albuminous elements, and is trustworthy 
only in detecting albumin as a class, and not serum albu- 
min per se. — Heinrich Stem. 

(c) "Sulpho test" of Stein. Pour a small quantity of 



8 HANDY BOOK OF 

filtered urine into a test-tube and add a few crystals of 
sulpho-salicylic acid. Shake the tube, and if albumin be 
present, a white homogeneous precipitate will form imme- 
diately. 

See also magnesium-nitric test. 

Alcarnose. — A mixture of albumose and maltose. A 
basis for nutritive enemata. It has no smell and a faintly 
sweet taste. 

Alcohol as an Antidote for External Carbolic-Acid 
Poisoning. — This substance was first recommended and 
used for this purpose by Dr. Seneca D. Powell, of New 
York. It is said to act as a thorough antidote, preventing 
pain, blistering, and a deep escharotic effect. It is also 
used as an internal antidote in the form of whiskey, brandy, 
etc. Zangger has recently advocated alcohol lotions or 
baths for burns, furuncles, felons, etc. 

Aleppo Boil. — A communicable disease observed in the 
natives of Aleppo, beginning in the face and uncovered 
parts of the body as a large acne nodule which increases to 
the size of a twenty-centime piece. The nodule is not 
painful nor reddened, and becomes covered with a crust, 
beneath which an ulcerated surface appears at the third 
or fourth month. This is followed by cicatrization with 
a resulting permanent depressed scar. It is generally 
single, though sometimes there are eight to ten of them. 
Complications do not arise. It has been variously attrib- 
uted to micrococci, staphylococci, and streptococci. Treat- 
ment is soothing and protective. 

Aleuronat. — An albuminous substance to whose value 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 9 

Ebstein has drawn attention as a food in diabetes. It 
is prepared by a special process from wheat. It is a 
light yellow-brown powder containing eighty to ninety 
per cent of albumin and seven per cent of carbohydrates. 
It may be obtained from R. Hundhausen, of Hamm, in 
Westphalia. It is a cheap substitute for ordinary flour. 

Alg"ometer. — An instrument for the measurement or 
comparative estimation of pain. One method is by an 
induced current of electricity. A temporal algometer has 
been devised by A. MacDonald (Psychological Review, 1898). 

It is pressed against the temple until pain is elicited, 
the amount of pressure being registered on a scale. 

Alkaptonuria. — Alkaptone is a resinous substance of 
light brown color which appears in the urine under a vari- 
ety of conditions and seems to be without any particular 
pathological significance. The characteristic of such a 
urine is that it is colorless when evacuated, but becomes 
very dark, even black, upon exposure to the air. The great- 
est interest of alkaptone lies in the fact that it may be mis- 
taken for glucose, since it reduces JFehling's solution. It 
does not, however, ferment like glucose, nor does it respond 
to the more delicate phenylhydrazin and polariscopic tests, 
and on adding an alkali and shaking, a reddish-brown color 
appears almost instantaneously. The condition is one of 
importance in life-insurance examinations. 

Allocheiria. — Inability to localize the seat of pain. 
Thus, if pricked with a pin on one foot, the patient may 
feel it in the other. This phenomenon is observed in tabes. 

Alpha- Eigon. — An iodine compound of albumin 
(twenty per cent). 



10 HANDY BOOK OF 

Alphasol. — This is a proprietary preparation, used as 
an antiseptic for gargles, nasal douche, sprays, etc. 

Alumnol (Aluminium Naphthol-Sulphate). — A soluble 
salt of aluminium and naphthol-sulphonic acid, containing 
about fifteen per cent of sulphur and five per cent of 
aluminium. It is a non-hygroscopic, grayish-white pow- 
der, and has been used in gonorrhoea (one- to two-per-cent. 
solution) and in various combinations for a variety of skin 
diseases, being antiseptic and astringent and said to pos- 
sess the power of penetrating the tissues. 

Amaurotic Family Idiocy (Sachs). — A family disease, 
observed most frequently in children of the Jewish faith, 
and characterized by a psychical defect, amounting at times 
to total idiocy, which is observed in the early months of life, 
weakness of all the extremities, even to total paralysis of a 
spastic or flaccid nature, diminution of vision, or total blind- 
ness, and normal, increased, or diminished reflexes. The 
fundus of the eye shows in the macula lutea region a cherry- 
red spot with a surrounding white halo. Most children 
die of marasmus before the second year of life. The first 
symptoms appear between the third and seventh month. 
Its hereditary character while probable has as yet not been 
definitely settled. 

Ammonol. — This is supposed to be a coal-tar derivative. 

According to the chemical examination of George M. Ber- 

inger (American Journal of Pharmacy, vol. lxix., page 150), 

it is composed of 

Acetanelid 10 gm. 

Sodium bicarbonate 5 " 

Ammonium bicarbonate 5 " 

Metanil yellow 0.005 " 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 11 

It is a powder of a faint yellow color, with a strong am- 
moniacal odor and of slightly crystalline composition. It 
is said to be an analgesic, antipyretic, and stimulant, and 
its composition certainly points in these directions. It 
has been used in migraine, dysmenorrhcea, gastralgia, and 
dyspeptic disorders. It may be combined with salicylic 
acid, lithia, bromides, etc. The dose is gr. v. to xv. 

Amusia. — Tone deafness. A condition similar to that 
of aphasia, in which the power of distinguishing tunes and 
tones is lost. Thought by Knauer to be a brain intoxica- 
tion, due to functional derangement of the thymus. 

Amyloform. — A patent preparation formed by combin- 
ing formaldehyde with starch and used as a substitute for 
iodoform. It consists of a white odorless and tasteless 
powder and is non-toxic. It has been used in suppurating 
wounds, osteomyelitis, and varicose ulcers with good 
results. It is an antiseptic and deodorizer, and is inex- 
pensive. 

Amyloiodoform. — A combination of amyloform and 
iodine. Used as a substitute for iodoform. 

Anabasis. — The beginning of a disease. 

Anaesthesia, General.— Schleich (Berlin) has shown 
that the higher the boiling-point the smaller the amount of 
anaesthetic required. 

The following combinations may be prepared : 



3Iixt. I. 



Mixt. II. Mixt. III. 



Chloroform 

Petroleum ether. 
{Sulphuric ether. 



45 45 

15 15 

180 150 



Boiling point 38° C. 40 = C. 



30 
15 
80 
42° C. 



12 HANDY BOOK OF 

In operations of twenty minutes' duration use Mixture I. ; 
in more prolonged operations, Mixtures II. or III. 

Advantages claimed: smaller amount required, im- 
mediate awakening after operation, less after-effects. 

See Schleich method. 

Analeptol (Analepsis = recovery or convalescence). — A 
proprietary name given to a tonic preparation, each drachm 
of which, according to the manufacturers, represents phos- 
phorus y^o- gr-j nux vomica extract -J- gr., cinchona 2 gr., 
coca leaves 1 gr. , combined with aromatics. Kecommended. 
by the promoters in convalescence, physical or mental 
exhaustion, etc. 

Analgen. — An analgesic and anti-neuralgic which is said 
to color the urine red. Dose, gr. vii. to xv. 

Analgesin. — Another name used in France for antipyrin. 

Anarthria.— A disturbance of speech due to the involve- 
ment of the muscles of articulation such as is seen in bulbar 
or glosso-labio-laryngeal paralysis. 

Anasin. — Said to be an aqueous solution of tri-chlor- 
pseudo-butyl-alcohol or aceto-chloroform. Used as an 
hypnotic and anaesthetic. 

As an hypnotic the dose is gr. vii. to xv. A one-per-cent. 
solution is said to possess the same anaesthetic properties 
as a two-per-cent cocaine solution. It has been used in 
the eye, larynx, pharynx, and nasal mucous membrane. 

Anastasis. — The period of convalescence. 

Angina Ludovici (Ludwig's Angina, or Infectious Sub- 
maxillary Angina). — An acute disease which involves the 
areolar tissue surrounding the submaxillary gland, and gives 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 13 

rise to marked induration and suppuration of the tissues, 
with grave constitutional disturbances. The disease be- 
gins with local discomfort which lasts three or four days, 
and the neck becomes painful and swollen. The patient 
experiences difficulty in speech and opening the mouth, the 
tongue becomes swollen, there is great salivation and occa- 
sionally dysphagia or dyspnoea. The temperature may be 
high, and, unless operative intervention is instituted, death 
may result with septic symptoms. It is an unusual but 
severe form of cellulitis of the neck. 

Anilipyrin (Acetanilid one part, Antipyrin two parts). 
— Dose, gr. v. to xv. Used in influenza and rheumatism. 

Animal Extracts. — Since thyroid extract was first ad- 
vocated in the treatment of myxoedema a great variety of 
similar preparations have sprung up, notably suprarenal, 
pituitary, thymus, splenic, hepatic, testicular, ovarian, 
spermatic, as well as cerebrin, medullin, and others. Ke- 
ports more or less favorable continue to be published 
regarding this novel method of medication. Each extract 
will be treated under its appropriate heading. 

Anthrarobin. — A compound procured by Liebermann 
and very similar to chrysarobin in both appearance and 
therapeutic indications. It is used in the form of powder, 
ointment, or in collodion and traumaticin, in strength of 
from five to ten per cent, for psoriasis, seborrhoeal eczema, 
tinea circinata, and tinea versicolor. 

Antikamnia. — A white, odorless, tasteless powder, in- 
soluble in water, but soluble in alcohol and ether. It acts, 



14 HANDY BOOK OF 

as an antipyretic and analgesic in doses of from three to ten 
grains. It may be given in powder or tablet form, com- 
bined with salol, codeine, phenacetin, etc. 

It is a secret American proprietary remedy, supposed to 
contain, according to a published formula {Pharm. Rund- 
schau) — 

I£ Acetanilid 47-86 parts. 

Sodium bicarbonate 14-50 " 

Tartaric acid 3-6 " 

Caffeine 3-10 " 

Antinervin (Salicyl-bromanilinid). — A combination of 
ammonium bromide and salicylic acid, each one part, and 
acetanilid two parts. Employed as a sedative in angina 
pectoris, articular rheumatism, and typhoid fever. 

Dose, gr. iii. to v. every two to three hours in capsule, 
or gr. x. may be given as a single dose. 

Antinosin, or Tetra - iodo - phenol - phthalein. — The 
sodium salt of nosophen — a blue powder, soluble in water, 
similar in action to nosophen, but may be used in solution, 
especially in nose, ear, and throat work. It is non-irritat- 
ing and non-toxic. 

Advocated in one- to three-per-cent solution for bladder 
irrigation. 

Antiscabin. — A mixture of balsam of Peru, soap, gly- 
cerin, beta-naphthol, boric acid, and alcohol. Used in 
scabies. 

Antisepsin. — A bromine substitution compound of acet- 
anilid. Antineuralgic and antirheumatic. Dose, gr. v. to 
x. daily. 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 15 



Antiseptin. — 



]$ Zinci sulphatis 85. 

Acidi boracici 10.0 

Zinci iodidi, 

Thymol aa 2.5 

Antiseptol (Cinchonine Iodo-sulphate) . — An odorous 
brown powder, recommended as a substitute for iodoform. 
It contains half its weight of iodine, and is insoluble in 
water but soluble in alcohol and chloroform. 

Antistreptococcic Serum (Marmorek). — This serum is 
said to be an antitoxin for all true streptococcic infections, 
that is, for those cases of toxsemia in which streptococci are 
found in the blood. It has been used in erysipelas, phleg- 
mon, septic wounds, and puerperal septicaemia with only 
occasional benefit. It has been recommended for cases of 
mixed infection such as are seen in scarlet fever, diph- 
theria, and tuberculosis. It is put up in vials of 10 c.c, 
and may be procured from the New York Board of Health 
or the Pasteur laboratory. It may be used per rectum, 
O'Connor reporting gratifying results in scarlet fever. 

Antistaphylococcus Serum. — This has been used by 
Moritz in malignant endocarditis with success. 

Antitoxins. — These are substances which have a ten- 
dency to counteract the effects which the toxins of various 
micro-organisms exert upon the body. A typical example 
of this class is diphtheria antitoxin. This is produced by 
injecting, in gradually increasing doses, into the body of a 
healthy horse the by-product of the diphtheria bacilli, that 
is, the toxins. The horse at first reacts with fever and gen- 
eral indisposition, but as the dose is gradually increased he 



16 HANDY BOOK OF 

becomes immune as it were, and does not react to the 
largest of doses. The serum of his blood is then used as 
antitoxin, after going through various processes of sterili- 
zation and filtration. This antitoxin, in order to produce 
its most desired effects, must be used early in the disease, 
preferably during the first twenty-four hours. The tend- 
ency of the present day is to use concentrated serums, that 
is to say, those which represent the greatest number of units 
in the smallest amount of fluid. From 1,000 to 8,000 units 
in all may be injected according to the age of the child, the 
severity and stage of the disease, and the existence or ab- 
sence of stenotic symptoms. The favorite sites for injec- 
tion are the interscapular region, the abdomen, chest, and 
outer side of thigh ; the procedure should be slowly done 
and the fluid be injected well into the tissues. It is not ad- 
visable to massage the region after injection. If there be 
no improvement in from eight to twelve hours, the initial 
dose is to be repeated as often as necessary. For a working 
basis it maybe said, give: 1,000 to 1,200 units in young 
children; 1,200 to 1,500 units in older children; 2,000 to 
3,000 units in croup cases. 

The site of injection, the hands of tho physician, and 
the syringe must be scrupulously clean. Any syringe will 
answer the purpose, the simpler the better. One made 
entirely of glass is to be preferred on account of the ease 
with which it can be sterilized. Antitoxin has been admin- 
istered per os and per rectum, but not with as good results 
as hypodermatically. J. E. O'Connor gives the following 
advantages of rectal over hypodermatic serotherapy : (a) 
No prejudicial interference ; (b) solid serums can be used ; 
(c) it is simple and expeditious and the absorbed serum is 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 17 

purer. Apart from its curative and specific effect, anti- 
toxin is used for immunizing purposes in doses of 200 to 
300 units. This period of immunity lasts for from three 
to four weeks. Antitoxin rashes are occasionally observed 
after its use, and assume a scarlatiniform, urticarial, ery- 
thematous, or morbilliform type. 

In New York, the Board of Health supplies physicians 
with antitoxin without charge, for use among the poor. 
Antitoxin of reliable quality may be obtained from the 
New York Board of Health, Parke, Davis & Co., Mul- 
ford & Co., and the imported serums of Behring and 
Aronson may also be procured at the shops. Extra po- 
tent serum in dry form can now be obtained. 

Besides the diphtheria antitoxin there are antitoxins 
of tuberculosis, tetanus, hydrophobia, streptococcus and 
staphylococcus infection, erysipelas, snake bites, yellow 
fever, plague, etc. Antitoxins for pneumonia and typhoid 
fever are now being experimented with. 

Antipyrin. — Introduced by Knorr. A white crystalline 
powder, very soluble in water, less so in alcohol or gly- 
cerin. It is analgesic, antipyretic, antirheumatic, and 
haemostatic in its action. The dose is from gr. iii. to gr. xx. 
Some of the special conditions in which this drug has been 
used are diabetes insipidus, glycosuria, oxaluria, phos- 
phaturia, nephralgia, neuralgia, hypertrophy of the pros- 
tate, pertussis, post-partem uterine colic, epistaxis, loco- 
motor ataxia, epilepsy, hemorrhoids, hemicrania, chorea, 
morphinism, incontinence of urine in children. It may be 
given by the mouth, hypodermatically, in a clysma, or in 

suppository. 

2" 



18 HANDY BOOK OF 

For its haemostatic effect it is best given in f our-per-cent. 
solution. For hemorrhoids it may be given with cocaine 
in suppository to relieve rectal pain. It is best adminis- 
tered in a little water or with a little aromatic syrup. Its 
incompatibles are said to be many, but sweet spirits of 
nitre, chloride of iron, and calomel are most to be cautioned 
against. Fieux states that this drug is eliminated in the 
milk of nursing women five to eight hours after administra- 
tion. Antipyrin is a tricky drug, and may be followed by 
cyanosis, sweating, prostration, and collapse. It is fre- 
quently followed by an eruption. 

Test (Fieux). — Add 2.5 grams of sodii metaphosphoric 
acid and 12 drops of sulphuric acid to the suspected fluid 
(milk, for example), filter, and add a few drops of sodium 
nitrate to the clear filtrate. If antipyrin is present a clear 
green color develops. 

Antivenin. — A serum perfected by Calmette by injecting 
cobra venom mixed with solutions of calcium hypochlorite 
into horses. It is used in doses of 10 to 20 c.c. in severe 
and dangerous bites of venomous serpents. 

Anuria. — Suppression of urine. Seen in uraemia, chol- 
era Asiatica, severe gastro-enteritis of children, and in poi- 
soning by arsenic and oxalic acid. 

Anusol (Iodo-resorcin-sulphonate of Bismuth) . — Mostly 
used in the form of suppositories for the treatment of 
hemorrhoids. Also useful in rectal tenesmus and pruritus 
vaginae. Dose is gr. x. 

Anytin. — A compound containing carbonic acid, oxygen, 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 19 

and hydrogen, with 16.5 per cent of sulphur and 4.5 per 
cent of ammonia. 

A brownish-black hygroscopic powder, soluble in water 
and having the power to make soluble substances which 
are not so under ordinary conditions, and when used in 
combination with disinfectants is said to bring out their 
full antiseptic power. 

Aphasia. — Loss of power of speech due to a lesion in 
the cortex. 

Apharsia. — Synonymous with aphasia. 

Apical Dulness.— In the differential diagnosis of phthi- 
sis, it is to be remembered that Kernig has called attention 
to the possibility of pronounced dulness at the apex in ex- 
tremely marasmic patients, at whose autopsies no patho- 
logical changes could be found. The dulness of marasmus 
is always bilateral and accompanied by no other ausculta- 
tory signs aside from diminished breath sounds. The 
dulness may disappear and phthisical symptoms are absent. 
In some cases the dulness may proceed partly from senile 
atrophy of the lung. 

Apocodeine Hydrochlorate. — An emetic given in 
croup, pertussis, etc. Dose, gr. J hypodermatically, or tt[ 
viii. to xx. of a two-per-cent aqueous solution. Also used 
in chronic bronchitis as an expectorant and sedative in 
doses of gr. iii. per day. 

Apocynum (Canadian Hemp). — This diuretic drug is 
occasionally of great value in cardiac dropsy, producing 
diuresis after other drugs have failed to act. It is indi- 
cated in cases of uncompensated cardiac lesions, in various 



20 HANDY BOOK OF 

valvular diseases, arteriosclerosis, and as an "ultima 
ratio " in certain forms of threatened pulmonary oedema. 
The dose of the powder is from gr. x. to xx., that of the 
fluid extract from TTt v. to xx. 

Apolysin. — A combination of phenetidin and citric acid, 
analogous to citrophen. It possesses slight antipyretic, 
analgesic, and diuretic properties, and was at one time 
used in the febrile diseases of children. It is soluble, acts 
quicker than phenacetin, and has no bad after-effects. 
Dose, gr. xxx. to xc. daily. It may also be given in sup- 
pository in half-gram dose, every two or three hours. 

Apraxia. — A symptom consisting in the loss of the 
memories of an object, thus leading to the inability to rec- 
ognize the use, nature, or import of various substances. 

Aprosexia. — A term first used by Guye, of Amsterdam, 
to designate an inability to fix the attention for any length 
of time. This is frequently seen in conditions of adenoids 
and in those giving rise to mouth-breathing. 

Arbutin. — A glucoside from Arctostaphylos uva ursi. 
A white powder soluble in water (8 parts) and alcohol. 
Used in doses of gr. xv., three or four times daily, for 
catarrh of the genito-urinary tract, especially cystitis due 
to enlarged prostate. 

Argentamin. — This is an amido compound of a silver 
salt. Has the same properties and use as the nitrate of 
silver, and is said to be less irritating. 

Argonin. — Also known as silver casein. Used in from 
two- to ten-per-cent solution as a bactericide in gonorrhoea. 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 21 

At times it dries up the secretion without producing 
the caustic action of nitrate of silver. It is soluble in 
albumin in the proportion of 1 to 10 with the aid of 
gentle heat. 

Argyll-Robertson Pupil. — Loss of pupil reflex to light, 
with preservation of reaction to accommodation. Observed 
in tabes dorsalis, general paresis, epilepsy (during the at- 
tack) , and occasionally in diabetes. 

Argyria. — A term applied to staining following the con- 
tinued use of silver preparations. The long-continued ad- 
ministration of the drug internally or its local use may be 
followed by argyria. Lately a number of instances of con- 
junctival staining have been reported following the employ- 
ment of protargol. Argonin, itrol, and actol may give rise 
to similar conditions. Workers in silver may show an 
argyrosis of the hands. 

Aristol. — A reddish-brown powder composed of iodine 
(45.8 per cent) combined with thymol, with a pleasant 
odor, insoluble in water and glycerin. First used in der- 
matology, in which field it is to-day extensively employed. 
It has largely replaced iodoform, and in many instances 
appears quite as efficacious. In indolent ulcers and granu- 
lating surfaces it is of great value. It has been used in ec- 
zema, lupus, psoriasis, and burns. It may be given in the 
form of powder, oil, or ointment with lanolin or vaseline 
in five-per-cent strength; aristol-collodion may also be 
used. 

Arsenauro and Mercauro.— The former is a double 
bromide of gold and arsenic, the latter a double bromide 



22 HANDY BOOK OF 

of gold and arsenic with the addition of mercuric bro- 
mide. These are watery solutions which keep well and 
are readily assimilated. They are said to be excellent 
alteratives and tonics. Dose, iU v. to xv. well diluted 
after meals. 

Asaprol (Calcium-beta-naphthol-sulphonate). — Used in 
tuberculosis and rheumatism. Analgesic, antipyretic. 
Dose gr. v. to xv. 

Aseptol. — A liquid of syrupy consistence, mixing with 
water, alcohol, and glycerin. It is obtained by the action 
of carbolic acid on sulphuric acid. This is used as a dress- 
ing for wounds in three- to four-per-cent solution. As a 
test for albumin in the urine it gives a delicate reaction. 
Used mostly in surgery. 

Aseptolin. — This is a solution containing about three 
per cent of absolute phenol, and one per cent of pilocarpine- 
phenyl-hydroxide. The latter is a recent pilocarpine salt. 
It is given mainly hypodermatically, but may be used per 
rectum. It is said to enhance the natural antiseptic prop- 
erties of the blood, and has been used in malaria, influ- 
enza, septicaemia. Its main field of application has been 
in phthisis, in which disease great improvement has been 
reported. It is Dot a cure for pulmonary tuberculosis. 

Asiatic Pill. — Used quite extensively in the treatment 
of psoriasis, lichen planus, and other skin diseases. It 
consists of: 

]$ Arsenous acid gr. £. 

Powd. black pepper gr. i. 

Powd. acacia gr. i. 

Powd. althaea gr. T %. 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 23 

Or 

R Acidi arsenosi gr. lxvi. 

Pulv. pip. nigra? 3 ix. 

Gummi arabici, 

Aquae ...iaq.s. 

Div. in pil. No. dccc. S. One to three pills a day after meals. 

The various Asiatic pills contain different quantities of 
arsenic, so that the number to be taken daily will depend 
upon the amount of the drug present. 

Asparagin. — A diuretic, used in cardiac affections, 
gout, and general dropsy. Dose, gr. i. 

Asparolin. — A combination of guaiac, asparagus, pars- 
ley, black haw, and henbane, forming a brown liquid. It 
has been used, in doses of from two to four drachms given 
in hot water, as an antispasmodic uterine tonic. 

Astasia. — A term first used by Charcot to designate mo- 
tor incoordination in standing, with retention of muscular 
power and sensation. The patient may be able to move the 
limbs when in bed, but as soon as he attempts to stand his 
legs seem to give way under him, or, as Knapp puts it, 
" bend under him as if made of cotton." This condition in 
most instances is part of a functional neurosis. 

Astraphobia. — Fear of thunder and lightning. 

Atheroma. — A term applied to a sebaceous cyst or an 
encysted tumor, but more frequently to an entirely differ- 
ent condition, viz., a fatty or calcareous degeneration of the 
arterial walls. The latter is found in lead poisoning, alco- 
holism, gout, and syphilis ; it is part of the senile changes, 
is hereditary in some families, and occasionally goes with 
chronic disease of the viscera. 



24 HANDY BOOK OF 

Athetosis. — A condition first described by Hammond 
and observed principally in the hemiplegia of children. It 
consists of involuntary and somewhat rhythmical spas- 
modic movements of the paralyzed parts, especially the 
fingers and toes. In rare instances the muscles of the face 
an«d neck are involved. Motions seem to increase the 
movements. The term restless ataxia has also been ap- 
plied to this condition. Strumpell (vol. iii., 1896, p, 
551) has an excellent illustration of this affection. 

Atmocausia. — Another term for vaporization. 

Azoospermia. — The absence of spermatozoids in the 
seminal fluid. 

Azoturia. — An increase of the nitrogenous elements 
(urea) in the urine. 

Baccelli's Sign. — Whispering voice is heard through a 
serous pleural exudate but not through a purulent one 
(Guido Baccelli, Rome, 1832). 

Bacterial Phosphorescence. — The property possessed 
"by certain microbes of producing light is well known ; as 
in the sea-water organism. Cohn has described a micro- 
coccus phosphorescens, called by Hermes bacterium phos- 
phorescens. The difference in description and name may 
be explained by an observation of Herman, in which a 
luminous microbe appeared in cultures at times absolutely 
spherical (micrococcus) , while in older cultures it gradually 
became elongated and rod-shaped (bacterium). Cohn's 
micrococcus inoculated on herring jelly gives a growth 
which in light is opal color, but in darkness gives out a 
beautiful, luminous green color. 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 25 

Bagot's Local Anaesthesia. — This is a combination of 
cocaine and sparteine, the latter obviating the depressing 
effect of the former on the heart and at the same time ren- 
dering the anaesthesia more lasting. He uses a powder 
consisting of cocaine hydrochlorate .04, and sparteine sul- 
phate .05; this is dissolved in 1 or 2 c.c. of boiled water. 
As much as 8 to 10 cgm. of cocaine may be injected with- 
out harm, 

Bananina. — A fanciful name for a plantain flower, con- 
sisting almost entirely of starch. Introduced as a food. 
It contains phosphates and has a pleasant taste. 

Barkoo-Rot. — A skin disease seen in Western Australia. 
It affects the hands of miners who come in contact with in- 
struments made of some special kind of wood. 

Barlow's Disease (Infantile Scurvy). — An affection in 
which the skeleton is the seat of painful subperiosteal 
hemorrhages, especially near the epiphyses, associated 
with profound anaemia, pseudo-paralysis, sponginess or 
swelling of the gums, and hemorrhages into the skin and 
mucous membranes. An improper dietary, particularly 
the prolonged use of proprietary food preparations, has 
been considered important in the etiology of tho disease. 

Basham's Mixture (Liquor Ferri et Ammonii Aceta- 
fcis) . — It contains : 

R Tinct. ferri chloridi 2 

Acid. acet. diluti 3 

Liq. amnion, acetatis 20 

Elixir aromat. , 

Syrupi, 

AquEB iaqs ad 100 

The dose is § ss.-i. 



26 HANDY BOOK OF 

Useful when the combined effect of iron and a diuretic 
is required. Often successful in erysipelas. 

Bassorin Paste. — A quickly drying, unirritating, and 
readily removable base for the incorporation of remedies 
used in dermatology, introduced by Lascar and Elliot of 
New York. It is made from bassorin — a derivative of 
Bassora tragacanth or other gums —mixed with water, gly- 
cerin, and dextrin, in such proportions as to form a jelly 
resembling vaseline. 

Bednar's Aphthae. — A form of stomatitis seen during 
the first few weeks of life, and consisting of a bilateral 
superficial ulceration, of round or oval form and whitish 
color, which is situated at the posterior alveolar border of 
the hard palate, at that point where the pterygo-maxillary 
ligament is put on the stretch during the process of nurs- 
ing or of opening the mouth. 

Benzanilid. — A crystalline white powder used as an 
antipyretic, especially in infantile practice. Dose for in- 
fants, gr. i. to vi. three or four times a day. 

Benzoinol. — A petroleum preparation similar to albo- 
lene, and used as a vehicle for various medicaments such as 
menthol, camphor, thymol, eucalyptol, mercury, gaulthe- 
ria, etc. It is said to consist of albolene with gum benzoin in 
solution, and is used principally in nose and throat practice. 

Benzo-Naphthol. — A white powder, insoluble in water; 
a powerful diuretic and internal antiseptic, breaking up in 
the intestine into naphthol and benzoic acid. Dose, gr. v. 
to x. three times a day. 

Benzosol (Guaiacol Benzoate). — The ethereal salt of 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 27 

guaiacol and benzoic acid. It is a colorless crystalline 
powder, almost entirely free from odor and taste, insoluble 
in water, but readily so in alcohol and ether. It is used 
in phthisis, as a substitute for guaiacol and creosote, as an 
intestinal antiseptic, and has been recommended in dia- 
betes. The dose is four grains, gradually increased to 
ten, three times a day, after meals. Piatkowski and J. 
Blake White have recommended it for diabetes mellitus, 
in which condition it is said to lower the specific gravity 
of the urine and control the excretion of sugar. 

Beri-Beri. — A disease prevalent in the West Indies, 
India, Japan, China, Brazil, the Bed Sea, and character- 
ized by anaemia, weakness, dyspnoea, oedema, and multiple 
neuritis. The disease is in all likelihood microbic in ori- 
gin, although some authors include an excessive use of rice 
and fish among the etiological factors. The oedema which 
is often part of the disease has as its favorite sites the 
sternum and vertebral column. 

Bernays' Aseptic Sponge.— So named after Dr. A. C. 
Bernays of St. Louis. It is composed of properly prepared 
cotton fibre which is subjected to great pressure. It is 
presented for use in the shape of compressed circular discs 
about one-fifteenth of an inch in thickness and of two sizes ; 
a smaller, one and one-fourth inches in diameter, and a 
larger, one and one-half inches. Their great advantage 
lies in their great absorptive power ; when placed in water 
they increase in size twelve to fifteen times. This property 
enables them to exert great pressure when used in small 
cavities. Dr. W. H. Simpson speaks highly of them as con- 
trolling agents in intra-nasal and post-nasal hemorrhage. 



28 II&NDY BOOK OF 

Betol. — A white powder, insoluble in water, breaking 
up in the digestive tract into its constituents naphthol and 
salicylic acid. Hence it is recommended especially as an 
intestinal antiseptic. It is also antipyretic in microbic 
diseases of the intestine, in articular rheumatism, catarrh 
of the bladder, etc. Dose, gr. iii. to viii. in capsule form. 
May also be given in suspension. 

Caution. — Watch action upon kidney, though this drug 
is considered less dangerous than the salicylates. 

Bier Method in chronic rheumatic arthritides and local- 
ized tuberculoses consists in creating a venous stasis by 
the application of tight bandaging on either side of the 
articulation or affected region by means of rubber bandages. 
The skin is to be properly protected and the bandages 
changed every twelve hours. 

Bismal. — Prepared by acting upon the oxide of bismuth 
with methylenedigallic acid. A powerful astringent used in 
chronic diarrhoea, especially tuberculous. Dose, gr. -J to v. 

Bismuth Beta-Naphthol (Orphol). — This is a brown, 
odorless powder insoluble in water and split up in the in- 
testine into its component parts. It is a powerful and use- 
ful intestinal antiseptic in doses of from gr. v. to x. three 
times a day. * 

Bismuth Oxyiodopyrogallate. — A fine, yellowish-red, 
amorphous powder, which is insoluble in water. It is 
unaffected by the air and light. It is used as an antiseptic 
for wounds, and is said to be decomposed less readily than 
other similar preparations. 

Bismuth Peptonate. — A brown powder. Dose, 3 i. 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 29 

Bismuth Subiodide or Oxyiodide. — A brick-red, odor- 
less, tasteless powder, insoluble in water and alcohol. 
Used with excellent results in the form of powder or oint- 
ment as a stimulant to sluggish ulcers. 

Black- Water Fever. — A bilious hsemoglobinuric fever 
seen throughout tropical Africa. It occurs mostly in 
natives who have had repeated attacks of ordinary fever, 
or in those who have been in the country for a considerable 
time ; the newcomer is rarely attacked. The clinical fea- 
tures are those of a severe remittent fever, followed by the 
passage of dark porter-colored urine. The prognosis is 
bad, though many patients recover. 

Blennostasine. — Said to be a bromine derivative of 
cinchonidine, and consisting of a yellowish solid, soluble 
in water, insoluble in ether and chloroform. It can be 
easily crystallized, the crystals being odorless and of a bit- 
ter taste. It has been used in catarrh of the upper air 
passages. Dose, gr. iii. to v. every two hours in capsules 
or gelatin-coated pills. 

Blue Glass. — Blue glass has recently been used in the 
study of syphilis to distinguish faint eruptions upon the 
skin. First advocated by Broca. An ordinary spectacle 
holder may be fitted with glasses of cobalt, similar to 
those found in ophthalmoscopic outfits. These should be 
worn close to the eyes, and the examination is best made 
on a dull day. The method has for its aim the discovery 
of eruptions before they are revealed to the naked eye, 
and to discover traces of a preceding eruption and those 
undeveloped. Syphilides of this order are now called in 
the Paris hospitals roseoles a verve bleu. 



30 HANDY BOOK OF 

Blue CEdema. — (Edema with a cyanotic state seen in 
certain paralyses accompanied with pain. Probably often 
a form of hysterical cedema and susceptible of improvement 
under hypnotic suggestion. It may be associated with 
hysterical pemphigus (Audry). 

Boas' Reagent. — For the determination of the presence 
of free hydrochloric acid in the gastric juice : 

I^ Resorcin resublim , 5 

Sacch. alb 3 

Spirit, dil ad 100 

Five or six drops of filtered gastric contents are added 
to the same quantity of this solution and heated until dry 
in a porcelain dish or spoon over the flame. If free hy- 
drochloric acid is present a rose-red or cinnabar-red color- 
ation will result. This reagent is not used so extensively 
as that of Giinzburg, nor are its results quite so accurate. 

Bolognini's Symptom of Measles.— This consists of 
a slight crepitation which is elicited by an alternating and 
gradually increasing pressure on the abdominal wall with 
the three middle fingers of the right and left hand. It is 
said to give the feeling as if two raw surfaces were rubbing 
against each other. Koeppen-Norden states that at times 
this sign is observed within a limited area, and again over 
the entire abdominal wall. It is said to be an early pro- 
dromal symptom of measles, but is by no means patho- 
gnomonic. The same sensation is said to occur in cases of 
intestinal catarrh, and Koeppen-Norden thinks that the 
source of the Bolognini symptom is to be found in the 
fluid, frothy, aerated contents of the intestine. 

Bordier and Frenkel's Phenomenon. — A rotation of 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 31 

the ocular globe from above downward during closure of 
the eyelids is said by these physicians (Le Scalpel, June 
19, 1898) to have considerable prognostic value in periph- 
eral facial paralysis. It is observed in grave cases. 

Bonain's Local Anaesthesia. — This refers to a local 
anaesthesia of the external surface of the tympanic mem- 
branes by means of ; 

R Phenol, 

iJenthol, 

Cocaine hydrochlor aa 1.0 

Or 
R Phenol 2.0 

Menthol 0. 5 

Cocaine hydrochlor 1.0 

Boricin. — A combination of biborate of soda and boric 
acid in equal parts. Used as an antiseptic on mucous 
membranes, having no caustic or irritative qualities. In 
injection or irrigation, 3 i. to Z v. to Oi. water. 

Boroglyceride (Glyceritum Boroglycerini) . — This con- 
tains boric acid and glycerin heated together. In fifty-per- 
cent solution it is very efficacious as a depleting agent in 
pelvic inflammation. 

Botryo-Mycosis.— A condition described by Drs. Pon- 
cet and Dor, which consists of an ulcerated fungoid mass 
varying in size from a pea to a nut and originating in the 
cutis ; it resembles granulation tissue, is rich in blood-ves- 
sels, and is attached to the underlying tissue by a pedicle, 
the entire mass giving the impression of a fungous growth. 
In this growth botryomyces are distinguishable, hence the 
term botrvo-mvcosis. This disease is known to occur in 



32 HANDY BOOK OF 

horses after castration. In the four cases observed in man, 
the finger was affected twice, the thenar eminence and 
shoulder once. 

Bottini's Operation. — The use of galvano-cautery for 
removing prostatic obstruction by multiple division. First 
advocated in 1885, revived and improved by Freudenberg. 
The electrode originally advised had a short beak project- 
ing at an angle from the shaft ; after introduction the point 
is turned downward and withdrawn until it comes in con- 
tact with the obstruction ; the current is then turned on 
while a stream of water circulates through the hollow 
catheter to prevent overheating. Before withdrawal, it is 
pushed again into the bladder and allowed to cool thor- 
oughly. 

Eydygier says that there is danger of death from sepsis, 
especially when the middle lobe is not enlarged. Frisch 
has pointed out the necessity of ascertaining which lobe is 
enlarged before operation; this, however, is not an easy 
matter. The Freudenberg modification with amperemeter 
attachment is preferred to the original instrument. Author- 
ities differ as to the advisability of introducing a hard per- 
manent catheter after the operation. 

Bouveret Sign in Intestinal Obstruction. — This ap- 
plies only to the large gut. The caecum is greatly distended 
and a large elevation exists in the right iliac fossa. 

Bremer's Test for Diabetic Blood. — A greenish-yellow 
tint developed in the red blood corpuscles after staining with 
eosin for from six to ten minutes in an oven at 35° C. 
Distinguished from the ordinary reaction of blood, which 
gives a brownish color. 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 33 

Bremer's Test for Diabetic Urine.— Ten cubic centi- 
metres of normal and diabetic urine are placed in two 
test-tubes, and a small pinch of gentian violet B (Merck) 
is placed on the surface of each specimen of urine in such a 
manner as to avoid any of the powder touching the sides of 
the tubes. In the normal urine the violet floats on the sur- 
face, little threads being given off from below which dis- 
appear on slight agitation. Diabetic urine is colored within 
a few seconds from above downward a blue or bluish-violet, 
and shaking does not produce disappearance of the color. 
The greater the quanta of sugar, the more rapidly and in- 
tensely does the phenomenon appear. 

Bromalin (Bromethylformin) . — White crystalline 1am- 
inse, tasteless and soluble in water. A combination of bro- 
mide and intestinal antiseptics, which is said to prevent 
the occurrence of bromism. The dose is 6 to 12 gm. per 
day. It is mainly used in the treatment of epilepsy. 

Bromidia. — A proprietary preparation which is said to 

contain in each teaspoonful — 

$ Chloral, 

Bromide of potash aa gr. xv. 

Extr. cannabis indica, 

Extr. hyoscyamus aa gr. £ 

Oil of anise, gum arabic, water, and syrup. 

It is used rather extensively by the profession, particu- 
larly in cases in which it is undesirable to let the patients 
know what they are getting. Its indications are evident 
from its composition. 

Bromoform. — A colorless, heavy liquid made by the 

action of bromine and alcohol in the presence of an 
3 



34 HANDY BOOK OF 

alkali. The odor and taste are similar to chloroform. 
This drug has been used as an anaesthetic, but it is un- 
safe. At present its use is limited to the treatment of 
whooping-cough, in which disase it sometimes diminishes 
the number and severity of the paroxysms, but does not 
shorten the duration of the disease. 

The daily dose for an adult is twenty drops ; for a child, 
as many drops as the child is years old three times a day, 
in solution or emulsion. 

Instances of poisoning have lately been reported. 

Bromol. — Phenic acid saturated with bromine. Advo- 
cated by Rademaker, of Louisville, because of its antiseptic 
properties (in the treatment of diphtheria), and as a dress- 
ing for ulcers. Dose, gr. -J-. As an ointment, 3 i. to 1 i. 

Bruit du Diable (Venous Hum). — A continuous hum 
heard in the veins of the neck in cases of anaemia and 
chlorosis. 

Buhl's Disease (Fatty Degeneration of the New-Born). 
— This disease presents as its most important symptoms 
a dark coloration of the skin, dark stools, diphtheritic in- 
flammation of the mucous membranes, haematuria. A short 
time after birth symptoms of asphyxia and melaena may 
appear. The prognosis is bad, death being the usual se- 
quence. 

Bulbar Paralysis. — A chronic and slowly progressing 
paralysis seen in the final stages of chronic muscular atro- 
phy, with atrophy of the nuclei of the twelfth, seventh, 
ninth, and eleventh cranial nerves. The disease is also 
known as glosso-labio-laryngeal paralysis; there is dis- 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 35 

turbance of speech, with tremor and atrophy of the tongue, 
difficulty in chewing and swallowing; the muscles of the 
lips and face are weak, rendering whistling and facial ex- 
pression difficult; there is an increase in the production of 
saliva, the secretion literally pouring from the corners of 
the mouth. As a result of paralysis of the ninth and 
eleventh nerves there is regurgitation of food, loss of 
pharyngeal and laryngeal reflex, inability to cough. The 
duration of the disease is from one to ten years, death 
being due to foreign-body pneumonia, heart failure, or 
inanition. 

Bulimia (Also termed Cynorexia; Heisshunger of the 
Germans). — An excessive, ravenous, morbid hunger. It 
may exist as a separate neurosis or as part of an organic 
affection. Thus it has been observed in Basedow's dis- 
ease, gastric ulcer with hyperacidity, tcenia, diarrhoea, 
menorrhagia, hysteria, neurasthenia, hypochondriasis, psy- 
choses, pregnancy, tuberculosis, diabetes. 

This condition is also occasionally observed in gastric 
carcinoma, dilatation of the stomach, cerebral syphilis. 

Buphthalmia. — Also known as kerato-globus, and sig- 
nifying distention and protrusion of the cornea. 

Burma Head. — A well-known malady of Rangoon and 
other regions in the Burmese territory. In the acute stage 
there are loss of memory, signs of idiocy, homicidal mania, 
together with an inability to walk. The etiology is said 
to be at times a too free use of spirits. 

Butter-Cyst. — The name applied to cystic tumors (of 
the breast) having semi-solid contents of yellowish-brown 



36 HANDY BOOK OF 

color and of buttery consistence. The contents may 
harden on exposure to the air. Probably often a galac- 
tocele whose watery constituents have become absorbed. 

Cachexia Strumipriva. — A condition resembling myx- 
cedema and following the total extirpation of the thyroid 
gland. 

Cacodylic Acid. — Recommended by Jockleim as a suc- 
cedaneum for arsenical preparations, being rich in arseni- 
ous acid (fifty -four per cent, Danlos). Occurs as rhombic 
prisms, soluble in water. 

Recommended for psoriasis : 

3$ Acid, cacodylic , 5 

Spir. sacchari, 

Syr. aurant. cort aa 40 

Ol. menth. pip q.s. 

Aquae dest 120 

Cadmium Salicylate. — Is said to be more energetic as 
an antiseptic than other cadmium salts. Used in purulent 
ophthalmia, conjunctivitis, gonorrhoea, etc. 

Caisson Disease. — An illness suffered by workers in 
compressed air, as in tunnel boring, mining, and bridge 
building. A paralysis succeeds to painful sensations in 
the limbs, especially about the knees. 

Camphoid. — A substitute for collodion, consisting of — 

]$ Pyroxylin 1 

Camphor, 

Dilute alcohol aa 20 

Camphoric Acid. — Derived from camphor by oxidation 
with concentrated nitric acid. Colorless crystals, practi- 
cally insoluble in water, but soluble in ether, hot water, 
and alcohol. 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 37 

Used principally in doses of gr. xv. for the night sweats 
of phthisis; in from one-half to three-per-cent solutions 
used as a spray and gargle. 

Camphor-Phenol. — Camphor dissolved in three parts 
of ninety -five-per-cent carbolic acid. Used externally in 
a fifty-per-cent oily solution. It is antiseptic, anaesthetic, 
antipruritic. Internally carminative. Dose, gtt. v. to x. 
in capsule. 

Camphor-Salol. — Salol three parts, camphor two parts. 
Used as an external antiseptic. 

Camphor-Thymol. — A fusion of equal parts of camphor 
and thymol, giving an oily and insoluble substance ; it is 
non-irritating but less active than mentho-phenol. 

Cancroin. — A solution of neurin in water with carbolic 
and citric acids. Used by Adamkiewicz as a prophylac- 
tic against carcinoma. 

Cannabinol. — A preparation of cannabis indica. A hyp- 
notic which is said to be more reliable than cannabis in- 
dica itself. It is rather a sleep producer than a sleep 
forcer. 

Captol. — This new antiseborrheal agent and hair cos- 
metic is a condensation product of tannin and chloral, 
and forms a dark-brown hygroscopic powder, which is 
hardly soluble in cold water, but soluble in alcohol and 
warm water. A one- to two-per-cent alcoholic solution, 
twice daily, was found by P. J. Eichhoff to be of excellent 
service in seborrhcea capillitii and the falling out of the hair 
dependent upon it. No injurious effects were ever noticed. 



38 HANDY BOOK OF 

In eight to fourteen days the hair ceased to fall out. As a 
prophylactic a captol solution has also been recommended. 
Now on the market only as a proprietary remedy. 

Carbazotic Acid. — Synonymous with picric acid. 

Carbonic Snow. See Crymotherapy. 

Cardioscope. — An instrument devised by Czermak to 
facilitate the investigation of heart movement in animals, 
the contractions being reflected by means of mirrors. 

Cardol (Tri-bromo-salol). — Said to have narcotic and 
haemostatic action, with some hypnotic powers. 

To produce sleep, 3 ss., subsequently reduced to gr. xv. 

Carnogen. — See Ked Bone Marrow. 

Caroid. — Said by Chittenden to be a true soluble diges- 
tive ferment of vegetable origin. It is derived from the 
Carica papaya, and consists of a pale yellow, dry, non- 
hygroscopic powder. It is said to convert all forms of al- 
bumin into peptone, whether the medium be alkaline, acid, 
or neutral. It has been used in diminished secretion of gas- 
tric juice, atonic dyspepsia, achlorhydria, carcinoma, gas- 
tralgia, intestinal fermentation, and infantile indigestion. 

Dose, gr. i. to iii., administered in powder or tablet form 
as such, or with charcoal, bicarbonate of sodium, boric 
acid, etc. 

Cassareep, or Cassaripe. — From the juice of a South 
American plant, cassava, recently introduced by Dr. H. 
B. Chandler, of Boston, and advocated also by Dr. S. D. 
Risley (Philadelphia Medical Journal, October 29, 1898) in 
corneal ulcers and other infectious diseases of the eye. 
Used in ointment up to ten-per-cent strength. 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 39 

Castoria. — This is said to have the following composi- 
tion: 

R Senna 3 iv. 

Manna § i. 

Rochelle salts 1 i. 

Fennel, bruised 3 iss. 

Boiling water § viij. 

Sugar 1 viij . 

Oil of wintergreen q. s. 

Pour the water on the ingredients. Cover and macerate 
until cool ; strain and add the sugar, dissolve by agitation, 
and add oil of wintergreen to flavor. 

Cearin. — Carnauba wax and ceresin one part, liquid 
paraffin four parts. An excipient for chemical salts which 
decompose in the presence of lard. Used in making oint- 
ments of iodide of potassium, acetate of lead, etc. 

Celloidin. — A very concentrated collodion used as a pro- 
tective dressing in woudcIs, etc. 

Cellular Therapy. — The definition given by Aulde is : 
" The method in therapeutics of exhibiting properly selected 
medicaments with a view to restoration of cell-function. It 
aims to supply scientifically those remedies that experience 
has shown to possess special curative properties in the res- 
toration of disordered functions." 

Cerebrin. — A preparation from the gray matter of the 
brain (sheep, calves) made with equal parts of glycerin 
and one-half-per-cent carbolic-acid solution. Has been 
used in chorea, locomotor ataxia, etc. Dose, gtt. v. to xx. 

This term is also applied to an elixir containing anal- 
gesin, cocaine, caffeine, and ether. It is said to be an 
active anti-neuralgic. Dose, two to four teaspoonfuls. 



40 HANDY BOOK OF 

Cerebro-Spinal Sclerosis (Multiple Sclerosis).— A 
cerebro-spinal affection of which the classical symptoms 
are scanning speech, nystagmus, intention tremor, spas- 
tic gait, and exaggerated patellar reflex. 

Ceyssatite. — An absorbent powder, first brought to the 
notice of the profession by Yeyrieres in May, 1898. It is 
a fossil earth from the village of Ceyssat, and is composed 
almost entirely of pure silica. According to Darier, its 
composition is : 

Silica 64. 570 

Water 7.130 

Chalk 2.850 

Iron 5. 650 

Magnesia 6. 480 

Organic matters 7.330 

It is principally used as an absorbent dusting-powder in 
intertrigo, eczema, and hyperidrosis. It may be applied 
in ointment form. 

Charcot's Joints. — An affection of the joints observed 
in locomotor ataxia and characterized by a rapid, painless 
swelling and enlargement, with subsequent extreme mobil- 
ity and grating. The effusion into the joint is excessive, 
and the knees are most frequently involved. 

Chautard's Test. — This is a test for acetone in the 
urine. Make a solution of fuchsin (1:2,000) and decolor- 
ize with sulphuric acid ; pour half an ounce of urine into a 
test-tube and add a few drops of the fuchsin solution ; in 
the presence of acetone the urine assumes a violet or purple 
color, the depth being proportionate to the quantity of 
acetone. 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 41 

Cheiragra. — In contradistinction to podagra this term 
is applied to the involvement of the joints of the hand in 
acute gout. 

Cheiromegalia. — A localized hypertrophy of the hands 
coming on in syringo-myelia. 

Chenopodium Ambrosioides (American Wormseed or 
Jerusalem Bark) . — This drug belongs to the class of an- 
thelmintics. The dose of the oil is ^lii. to viii. for a child 
two years of age. 

Cheyne-Stokes Respiration. — A form of dyspnoea with 
gradual and rhythmical increase of respirations, followed 
by a temporary arrest and again by an increase. 

Observed most frequently in ursemia, and occasionally in 
cardiac and cerebral diseases. It is as a rule of evil sig- 
nificance, though cases of recovery have been reported. 
In rare instances it is seen in normal persons during sleep. 
—John Cheyne, London (1777-1836). 

Chinaphtol (Beta-naphtol and Monosulphate of Euqui- 
nine). — A yellowish, bitter, insoluble powder. It has been 
used in syphilis, dysentery, intestinal tuberculosis, and 
especially in acute articular rheumatism. Dose, gr. viii. 
in capsule four or five times a day. 

Chinosol (Quinosol). — A succedaneum of corrosive subli- 
mate and carbolic acid, said to be free from toxic effect and 
irritation. An antiseptic and deodorant proprietary prepa- 
ration, used in the form of powder or solution (1 : 500) for 
ulcers, vaginal douches, disinfection of excreta. 

Chloralamide (Formidate of Chloral, introduced by 



12 HANDY BOOK OF 

Von Mering). — It consists of clear, white, brilliant crystals 
of a bitter, unpleasant, pungent taste, partly soluble in 
water, but more so in alcohol. It is an hypnotic, its action 
depending upon the slow elimination of chloral by the 
alkaline blood. It has proven of value in insomnia, and 
Peabody has recommended it for phthisis, rheumatism, 
alcoholism, and delirium tremens. The dose is gr. xxx. to 
xlv., in powder form or dissolved in spirits or wine. It is 
a soporific pure and simple, and is practically useless in 
the insomnias due to pain. The effects begin in half an 
hour and last up to eight or nine hours. 

Chloralimide. — Colorless crystals, insoluble in water. 
Action and dose those of chloral. 

Chloralose. — A hypnotic, giving refreshing sleep with- 
out bad effects. Dose, gr. iv. to xii. at bedtime. 

Chlorhydria. — An excessive amount of hydrochloric acid 
in the stomach. 

Test. — Let the patient swallow a small quantity of satur- 
ated solution of sodium bicarbonate while auscultation over 
the stomach is carried out. If normal hydrochloric acidity 
is present, a fine crepitation is heard. In superacidity, the 
sound is louder and occurs sooner. In anacidity, crepita- 
tion is absent. — Benedict. 

Chloride of Tin. — A saturated solution of stannous 
chloride in distilled water is said to clean rusty instruments. 

Chlorobrom. — A combination containing chloralamide 
and potassium bromide, gr. xxx. each to the ounce, flavored 
with licorice. Eecommended by Hutcheson for sea-sick- 
ness in dose of 3 iii. 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 43 

Chlorophenol. — An antiseptic especially recommended 
in tuberculosis of the larynx and tongue, in five- to twenty- 
per-cent solution. Also recommended for lupus vulgaris 
(Barbe). 

Chromidrosis. — Colored sweat. 

Chvostek Phenomenon of Tetany. — Striking the 
cheek with the fingers or a percussion hammer gives rise 
to marked contraction of the facial muscles on account 
of the peculiar nerve irritability which exists in this 
condition. 

Cimolite (A perfumed Kaolin). — Dusting-powder. 

Cinnamic Acid. — Recently recommended as an antitu- 
berculous agent in medicine, surgery, and dermatology. 

Citrurea. — Citric acid, urea, and bromide of lithia. In- 
dications the same as for urea and lithium. 

Claustrophobia. — A fear and dread of closed spaces. 
The person cannot attend the theatre, church, or assem- 
bly without a sudden distressing sensation of anxiety and 
apprehension, for which he can give absolutely no reason 
and which causes him to seek the open air, when he at 
once feels completely relieved. 

Cling Symptom (Klebe Symptom) . — In fsecal accumu- 
lation, when decided finger pressure is made upon the 
tumor-like mass, the intestinal mucous membrane clings 
for a time to the depression made on its surface and may 
be subsequently felt to release itself. 

Cobalt Nitrate. — This has been said to be a successful 



44 HANDY BOOK OF 

antidote {Medical Standard, November, 1898) in poisoning 
by hydrocyanic acid and potassium cyanide. 

Cocaine Cantharidate. — A mixture of cantharidate of 
soda, with one per cent of hydrochlorate of cocaine. Used 
hypodermatically in laryngeal tuberculosis, etc. 

Cocaine Phenate. — Pure cocaine dissolved in alcohol, 
to which an alcoholic solution of phenic acid is added up 
to saturation, and evaporation of the alcohol. 

Coin Sign (Fr., SigneduSou; Ger., Stabchenplessimeter 
percussion). — In this form of auscultory percussion a coin 
or piece of metal placed against the chest opposite to the 
examiner's ear is struck with another piece of metal. A 
dull wooden sound is transmitted by healthy lung tissue. 
Dulness is also heard through tuberculous and pneumonic 
foci unless infiltration is very excessive. In pneumothorax 
there is a brazen resonance. Pleurisy with effusion gives 
a clear sound, and the level of the fluid may be determined. 

Colchicine. — The alkaloid and active principle of col- 
chicum autumnale. Used latterly instead of the various 
preparations from the seed and root. It is a yellowish 
powder, with a bitter, lasting taste, soluble in water and 
alcohol. It acts as a diuretic in gout, rheumatism, and 
Bright' s disease. Dose is gr. ¥ V to ^ three times a day. 
In doses of gr. T |~g- hypodermatically it is said to act as a 
specific in gout. 

Coley's Mixture. — This consists of the toxins of the 
streptococcus erysipelatis and the bacillus prodigiosus, 
and has been used as a remedy for cancer, especially in the 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 45 

early stage. It has also been recommended to alleviate 
the symptoms in those cases which are too far advanced 
for surgical interference. It is especially advocated in in- 
operable sarcomata. Of eighty -four round-celled sarco- 
mata treated by Coley, thirty-five were more or less im- 
proved, one remained well upward of three years, one 
for one and one-half years, and one for one year. Of all 
cases eight remained well over three years. 

Collesin. — A cutaneous dressing introduced by Schiff 
as a skin varnish. 

Colloidal Mercury. — See Hydrargyrum Colloidale. 

Corrigan's Pulse. — The water hammer, jerking, or col- 
lapsing pulse of aortic regurgitation. Also known as 
pulsus celer et altus. — Dominick John Cobrigan, Dublin 
(1802-1880.) 

Cotarnine Hydrochlorate. — See Stypticin. 

Coxa Vara. — Deflection or bending of the neck of the 
femur. 

Cracked-Pot Sound. — A recently advanced diagnostic 
sign in cerebellar tumor. Due to a separation of the 
sutures and hence found only in those cases in which the 
sutures are widely separated. It is also present in exten- 
sive linear fractures of the skull. Best brought out by 
digital percussion without the pleximeter. 

Craniometer. — An instrument for measuring the skull 
has been introduced by Kronlein. It is a simple contri- 
vance, consisting of six thin and narrow strips of flexible 
metal, each adjustable on a slit screw. It is illustrated 



4:6 HANDY BOOK OF 

and described in the Gentralblatt fur Chirurgie, January 7, 
1899. 

Credo's Method. — A prophylactic measure against 
ophthalmia neonatorum, which consists of the instillation 
into the eyes of new-born children of a few drops of a one- 
to two-per-cent solution of nitrate of silver. This method 
has fairly revolutionized the subject of purulent ophthal- 
mia of the new-born, and has reduced the mortality to a 
very great extent. 

Credo's Method. — Manual expression of the placenta. 

Credos Ointment.— A soluble silver ointment made 
from argentum colloidale, suggested by Crede as a cure for 
septicaemia and pyaemia. It is applied by inunctions, the 
medicament reaching the infected blood by percutaneous 
absorption. It is supposed by the formation of powerful 
bactericidal silver salts to insure universal antisepsis or 
disinfection of the entire organism. 

Dose. — 3 ss. to 3 i. repeated every twelve hours till symp- 
toms abate. 

Creolin. — A dark-brown fluid with a tar odor, procured 
from coal-tar creosote. It is an antiseptic and disinfec- 
tant, and said to be less poisonous and more active than 
carbolic acid. It emulsifies with water and is used in one- 
half to one-per-cent solution as a douche. It has been 
used in cystitis, foul-smelling ulcers, bone necroses, and 
pityriasis versicolor. 

Creosoform. — A greenish powder formed by combining 
formic aldehyde with creosote. 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 47 

Creosol (Homo-pyro-catechin-mono-methyl-ether). — 
An antiseptic. 

Creosotal (Creosoti Carbonas). — A clear, light-brown, 
viscous liquid, containing ninety per cent of pure creosote, 
with a mild flavor and no caustic properties, insoluble in 
water, but soluble in oil. It may be given in daily doses 
ranging from five drops to three teaspoonfuls, since it is 
said not to derange digestion, the creosote being disguised 
in the neutral combination, thus permitting larger dosage 
than is possible with creosote alone. Especially useful in 
tuberculosis. In infants, tt[ iv. to viii. Jacob and others 
report good results from smaller doses (gtt. v. three times 
daily, increasing by three drops each day up to twenty- 
five-drop doses; keeping at this dose for several weeks, 
and then decreasing gradually). It may be given pure 
in capsules, in emulsion, milk, coffee, wine, or with cod- 
liver oil. 

Creosote Phosphate. — A colorless liquid obtained by 
Dr. Brissonnet {Journal des Sciences medicates de Lille, 
August 20, 1898) and used in tuberculosis. It is said to 
increase the amount of urea and the urinary acidity. 

Creosote Tannophosphate. — An amber-colored fluid 
obtained by Dr. Brissonnet and used in phthisis. Action 
same as phosphate. 

Creosote Valerianate. — Recommended by Grawitz 
for pulmonary tuberculosis. Zinn (Therap. 31onatshefte, 
March, 1898) reports eighty cases treated at Gerhardt's 
clinic. It was used in all forms of tuberculosis without 



48 HANDY BOOK OF 

any gastrointestinal disturbance. Dose, tt[ iii. to iv. in 
capsules three or four times a day. 

Crymotherapy.— A term used by M. Eibard {Gazette 
hebdomadaire de lledecine et de Chirurgie, September 1, 
1898) to mean the therapeutical use of great cold, locally 
applied. He uses a bag tilled with " carbonic snow " at a 
temperature of 176° F. below zero, and applies it to the 
stomach for half an hour daily. This is surrounded with 
cotton to prevent injury to the skin. These applications 
are said greatly to increase the appetite in consumptive 
patients. The price of carbonic snow makes the sugges- 
tion scarcely practical. 

Crystallose. — A substance said to be five hundred times 
sweeter than sugar and free from taste or odor other than 
that of the pure granulated article. 

Curschmann's Spirals. — Found in all true cases of 
bronchial asthma. These may be seen with the eye, 
magnifying glass, or, better, with the microscope. 
They consist of a twisted, spirally arranged mass of 
mucin, in the centre of which is seen a central thread 
of much lighter color.— Heinrich Curschmann, Ham- 
burg, 1846. 

Cutol. — An astringent, containing 76 per cent tannin; 
alumina, 13.23 per cent; boric acid, 10.77 per cent. Sol- 
uble cutol is obtained by combining with tartaric acid. A 
light brown powder, insoluble in water. 

Darwinian Tubercle. — One of the supposed stigmata 
of degeneration, consisting of a small nodule on the margin 
of the helix, at the apex of the fawn-like ear. 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 49 

Denisensko's Method in cancer: applications of ex- 
tract of chelidonum ma jus. 

Dermatol. — This is the subgallate of bismuth. A 
sulphur-yellow, odorless, tasteless powder, insoluble in 
water. Used in surgery, dermatology, and gynaecology 
for burns, ulcers, herpes, hyperidrosis, leucorrhcea, and 
the like. Internally it is used in gastro-enteritis, dys- 
entery, and diarrhoea. Dose is gr. v. to x. three times a 
day. 

Dermatothlasiomania. — A mania for injuring the skin, 
epilating hairs, continually expressing comedones, or 
pinching the face. 

Dermography or Dermatography. — A vascular neu- 
rosis of the skin which permits of tracing upon the latter 
with the finger-nails, pencils, or other rather blunt objects; 
the lines remaining as urticarial wheals. Seen in hysteria, 
neurasthenia, urticaria, etc. 

Diabetin. — A white, dry powder of a sweetish taste 
used in diabetes. It acts favorably upon the nutrition 
of diabetic patients without increasing the amount of 
sugar in the urine or blood. It has been recommended 
to replace cane sugar, its advantage being that it aids 
in the formation of tissue and acts as a sweetening 
agent at the same time. Its great disadvantage is its 
expense. 

Diaphthol. — The same as quinaseptol. 

Diazo Reaction (Ehrlich). — A reaction of the urine 
first introduced by Ehrlich and considered by him diag- 
nostic of typhoid. The test consists of two solutions : 
4 



50 HANDY BOOK OF 

I. 

Acidi sulphanilic 5.0 

Acidi hydrochlor. pur 50. 

Aquae destillat 100.0 

II. 

Sodii nitros 0. 5 

Aquae destillat 100.0 

Take 50 c.c. of I. and 1 c.c. of II. and add an equal 
quantity of urine. Now add one-eighth the volume of 
ammonia and shake thoroughly. If the reaction be posi- 
tive a rose-red froth will appear; if negative a brownish- 
yellow froth (Klemperer). This test has failed to sustain 
all that Ehrlich claimed for it. While corroborative for 
the diagnosis of typhoid it is by no means pathognomonic. 
The diazo reaction has been observed in typhoid, pneu- 
monia, measles, miliary tuberculosis, sepsis, and severe 
cases of phthisis. 

Digitoxin. — The glucoside from Digitalis purpurea. 
White odorless crystals insoluble in water, soluble in 
chloroform and alcohol. It is a cardiac tonic and diuretic 
in doses of gr. -gfa to gr. y^-q two or three times a day. 

Dionine. — A new derivative of morphine, to replace the 
latter or codeine when intolerance for them is found. It is 
said never to produce headache, vomiting, or constipation. 
An odorless, crystalline, white powder, soluble in water. 
It is used in bronchitis, dyspnoea, asthma, etc. Dose, 
gr. i to i. daily. 

Diuretin (Theobromine Sodium Salicylate). — Thiss is a 
white powder, with a sweetish alkaline taste, soluble in half 
its weight of water. It acts directly upon the kidney epithe- 
lium, producing a diuretic action in doses of gr. xv. four 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 51 

or five times daily. The maximum daily dose is 3 ii. It 
is indicated in all cases of dropsy due to cardiac or renal 
affections, and often produces good results when digitalis, 
caffeine, and strophanthus have failed. It may be admin- 
istered alone or in combination with heart tonics. It is 
best administered in capsules or solution. 

Dobell's Solution. — 

R Acidi carbolici gr. x.-Bi, 

Sodii boratis, 

Sodii bicarbonatis aa 3 i- 

Glycerini § i. 

Aquae Oi . 

An alkaline disinfectant solution used extensively in nose 
and throat practice. The quantity of carbolic acid and 
alkalies may be varied to suit the exigencies of the case. 
Listerine may be substituted for glycerin, or rose-water 
may be used instead of the ordinary water. 

Douglass Antiseptic Nasal Tablet. — 

R Trit. sod. chloride (1-1, 000) gr. v. 

Trit. sod. bicarb (1-1, 000) gr. v. 

Trit. zinc chloride (1-10,000) gr. & 

Trit. mercury bichlor (1-100, 000) gr. ^ 

Oil of wintergreen , ^-h 

Tinct. saffron q. s. 

M. ft. tab. No. i. S. Two tablets in eight ounces of water. 
Make a non-irritating, antiseptic, and slightly astringent solution. 

Duboisine. ■ — Alkaloid from Duboisia myoporoides. 
Colorless crystals, partly soluble in water, easily so in 
alcohol, ether, and chloroform. Used as a mydriatic in 
same strength as atropine. As a sedative and hypnotic in 
mental diseases and for paralysis agitans, gr. -^hj hypoder- 
matically. 

Duhring's Disease. — Dermatitis herpetiformis. Ac- 



52 HANDY BOOK OF 

cording to Dr. Duhring, this is an inflammatory, super- 
ficially seated, multiform, herpetiform eruption, character- 
ized mainly by erythematous, vesicular, pustular, and 
bullous lesions, occurring generally in varied combinations, 
accompanied by burning and itching, pursuing usually a 
chronic course with a tendency to relapse and to recur. 

Duotal. — See Guaiacol Carbonate. 

Dural Infusion. — The utilization of the lumbar punc- 
ture for direct therapeutic applications in cerebrospinal 
diseases. Antitetanus serum has been thus injected. 
(Jaboulay.) 

Duroziez's Double Murmur. — A double murmur audi- 
ble on pressure with the stethoscope over the femoral artery 
in cases of aortic insufficiency . The first murmur is caused 
by the diastolic blood stream, the second by the returning 
stream produced by the regurgitation. 

Dysesthesia. — The state in which a sensation is per- 
ceived a number of seconds after the excitation has been 
applied. 

Dyschromatopsia. — Loss of vision for various colors. 
Observed in optic atrophy (tabes dorsalis). 

Dyscrasia. — A morbid condition of the system. 

Dyspareunia. — Excessive pain during coitus. 

Eau d'Alibour. — 

3 Water 200 parts. 

Saturated camphor water q. s. 

Copper sulphate 2 " 

Zinc sulphate 7 " 

Saffron 0.4 " 

Eecommended by Sabouraud for impetigo. 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 53 

Eberth Bacillus. — The bacillus of typhoid fever. To 
distinguish it from the coli bacillus, it has been found that 
the latter will grow in bouillon containing arsenious acid, 
while the former will not, if even a small percentage is 
present. It is said that the coli bacillus may be made to 
grow in media containing as much as three per cent of the 
acid. This is thought to be a valuable biological reaction. 

Echophony.— A form of echo, heard on auscultation, 
immediately following vocal sounds. A symptom de- 
scribed by Serrand in Woillez's disease. 

Ecthol. — Anti-purulent and anti-morbific. Said by the 
American manufacturers to contain the active principles of 
echinacia and thuja. Dose, teaspoonful four times a day. 

Ectocardia. — A condition in which the heart is dis- 
placed. Holt {Medical Neivs, December 11, 1897) has re- 
ported an exceedingly interesting case in which the organ 
was covered only by integument and subcutaneous tissue. 

Edlefsen's Treatment for Chronic Eczema. — 

R Pure iodine 0. 1 

Iodide of potassium 0. 25 

Glycerin 12. 

M. S. Apply every evening. 

Electric- Light Blindness. — A condition somewhat 
similar to that of snow blindness and the smoke and heat 
blindness of firemen after a conflagration. It results from 
exposing the eyes unprotected by glasses to intense and pro- 
longed electric illumination. A wash containing camphor 
and borax is said to be very efficacious in mild attacks. 

Electric-Light Treatment.— Ewalcl having noted a 
diminution in the number of instances of rheumatism, neu- 



54 HANDY BOOK OF 

ralgia, migraine, etc., in workmen subjected to the action 
of electric light, Kozlovski and others have applied this 
agent therapeutically by means of electric-lighted cabinets 
or apartments. One method is to place the patient one 
and one-half metres from the light; he is protected by 
blue spectacles and by a screen having an aperture through 
which the light falls upon the particular region of the body 
to be acted upon. Three or four sittings at intervals of 
three or four days are said to produce an amelioration, 
while ten or twelve may be necessary for a cure. A 
closed cabinet may be used in which the patient lies as in 
a bath. Considerable cutaneous irritation may sometimes 
be produced. The term radiant-heat bath is preferred to 
electric-light bath by Kellogg. 

Elixir Chloralamide. — An efficient and relatively safe 
hypnotic, each tablespoonful containing gr. xv. of chloral- 
amide. It may be given as such or in combination with 
codeine, morphine, heroin, bromides, etc. It has been 
used by Professors Dana, Smith, Wilcox, H. C. Wood, 
etc., with good results. 

Ellis' Line. — A parabolic or S-shaped percussion line 
which is observed in pleurisy with effusion. When the 
patient is in the erect position the upper border of the 
dulness is higher behind than in front. 

Emol. — Silicious earth containing alumina, lime, and 
steatite. Ingredient of Emol Keleet, a soothing dusting 
powder. Emol is said to act as a natural soap. 

Emplastrum Salicylatis Saponatum. — This consists 
of: 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 55 

R Acidi salicylici 1.25 

Emplastr. diachyli, 

Emplastr. saponis aa 10. 

Vaselini 4.0 

M. 

Used as an external application in boils, carbuncles, ab- 
scesses, chronic eczemas, etc. It forms a rather hard 
ointment which must be warmed, then spread on linen and 
applied. 

Empyema Necessitatis. — An external pulsating em- 
pyema. 

Enteroclysis. — Washing out the intestines by rectal 
irrigation by means of a long rubber tube. Indicated in 
uraemia, shock, etc. 

Enteroptosis. — A general term which is applied to 
prolapse of the abdominal organs — stomach, colon, kid- 
ney, spleen, liver, etc. 

Enuresis. — Involuntary evacuation of urine, either dur- 
ing the day or night. It may occur as a part of a neu- 
rosis, or in conditions of cystitis, stones in the bladder, 
vulvo- vaginitis, oxyuris vermicularis, ascarides, phimosis, 
adenoids, masturbation, and epilepsy. 

Epicondylalgia. — An occupation neuralgia occurring in 
the muscular mass about the elbow- joint, following fatigu- 
ing work. Treatment by massage is efficacious. 

Epidermin. — An artificial covering for denuded skin, 
supposed to be a combination of white wax and powdered 
acacia in equal parts thoroughly triturated, to which are 
added an equal amount of water and glycerin which have 
first been mixed and brought to the boiling-point. 



56 HANDY BOOK OF 

Epityphlitis. — A term proposed by Kuster as a substi- 
tute for appendicitis. 

Epstein's Pearls.— Small, irregular, slightly elevated, 
yellowish-white masses, seen on either side of the median 
line of the hard palate at birth. They have no particular 
significance and occasionally ulcerate. 

Erb's Reaction. — See page 116. 

Erben's Pulse Phenomenon.— In neurasthenia, if the 
patient bends forward or makes an attempt to sit down, a dis- 
tinct and appreciable bradycardia is observed. The pulse 
returns to the normal in a very short time whether the pa- 
tient assumes the erect position or not. This occurs even 
in the presence of tachycardia. Erben ( Wiener Minische 
Wochenschrift, 1898, No. 24) states that in healthy individ- 
uals and in tachycardia dependent on conditions other than 
neurasthenia this phenomenon does not occur. 

Eriodictyon. — See Yerba Santa. 

Erysipeloid. — An affection of the hands in fishermen 
and fish-cleaners especially, resembling erysipelas of lim- 
ited extent, starting often in one finger and invading the 
others in succession, usually following some slight local 
injury. Treatment by ichthyol is usually successful. 

Erythema Enematogenes. — This term is applied to 
an eruption (erythematous, scarlatiniform, morbilliform) 
which sometimes occurs in children after the administration 
of enemata. This eruption appears twelve to twenty-four 
hours after the enema and lasts from twenty-four to forty- 
eight hours. It is usually located on the anterior surfaces 
of the knees, backs of the elbows, buttocks, and face, is 
rarely followed by desquamation, and does not give rise to 



MEDICAL PROGRESS 57 

any constitutional disturbance. This eruption is probably 
due to a vaso-niotor disturbance which permits the absorp- 
tion of the intestinal contents or of the substances contained 
in the enema. 

Erythroblast. — A nucleated red blood cell, whether it 
be a microblast, normoblast, mesoblast, megaloblast, or 
gigantoblast. The jjresence of nucleated red blood cells 
in the blood is a signum malum and is met with in severe 
cases of chlorosis, in pernicious anaemia, leukaemia, and 
carcinoma. They are normal constituents of the blood of 
the new-born. 

Erythrol. — The double iodide of bismuth and cincho- 
nine. Used by Kobin in butyric fermentative dyspepsia in 
doses of gr. i after meals. It is given in powder form, gen- 
erally with magnesia. 

Erythromelalgia (Weir Mitchell's Disease). — A con- 
dition associated with severe pain in the heel and sole of 
the foot, with redness, swelling, and pulsation of the ves- 
sels. In exceptional cases the affected parts assume a dark 
red or bluish-red appearance, hence the term " red neural- 
gia." The condition is occasionally associated with hyperi- 
drosis. Drs. Mitchell and Spiller (American Journal of the 
Medical Sciences, Jan., 1899) have published a case in which 
peripheral disease of nerves and arteries was demonstrated. 

Esbach (Albuminometer and Solution). — This name is 
associated with the quantitative test for albumin in the 
urine. The albuminometer resembles a test-tube, but is 
marked with a series of fine graduations from 1 to 12 and 
with the letters U and E. The solution used for testing, 
known as Esbach' s reagent, consists of 10 gm. of picric acid, 



58 HANDY BOOK OF 

and 20 gm. of citric acid to the quart of water. Add the 
urine to U, the reagent to K, stop with rubber cork, and 
turn upside down two or three times. Place the tube in the 
erect position for twenty-four hours, and at the end of that 
time notice where yellowish- white precipitate stands. If at 
1, there is one-tenth of one per cent of albumin; if at 5, one- 
half of one per cent, etc. "While the results with this ap- 
paratus are not accurate, they are approximate enough for 
practical purposes. 

Etherion. — The name given to a new element which Mr. 
Charles F. Brush claims to have discovered in the air. It 
is said to have great heat conductivity at low pressures. 
Sir William Crookes considers it water vapor. 

Ether Pneumonia.— Said by Whitney to be a microbic 
disease preventable by thoroughly cleansing the mouth, 
nose, and palate of the patient and the mouth-piece em- 
ployed by the anaesthetist. It is thought by Drummond, 
however, that ether is the most important cause. Most 
cases follow abdominal operations. It occurs once in 
about three hundred cases (Anders). 

Ethyl Chloride (Kelene). — A very valuable local anaes- 
thetic, especially in non-inflammatory conditions, such as 
amputations of fingers and toes, ingrowing toenails, circum- 
cision, removal of foreign bodies, glands, and small tumors. 
Also useful for the incision of abscesses and felons and in 
neuralgia. It is sold in the form of sealed glass tubes hold- 
ing about 10 grams. By holding the tube at a distance 
of four to six inches from the part, the liquid is ejected in 
the form of a very fine spray against the part of the skin to 
be anaesthetized. Anaesthesia is produced by freezing, in 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 59 

from ten to fifteen seconds. The ethyl chloride Bengue is 
the most reliable. 

Eucain. — This is a local anaesthetic, first discovered by 
Dr. Kiesel, of Berlin. Its uses and method of employ- 
ment are similar to those of cocaine. Its advantages over 
cocaine are said to be, that it does not cause mydriasis or 
disturbance of accommodation, the solutions keep better 
and are not altered by sterilization, there is less danger of 
poisoning, and its after-effects subside more quickly. 

The solutions used vary from two to ten per cent. One 
cubic centimetre of a two-per-cent solution may be used 
hypodermically. A mixture of cocaine and eucain would 
seem to possess an advantage over either substance 
alone. 

Alpha-Eucain is used in surgery of the nose, etc. ; beta- 
eucain also in dentistry, ophthalmology, etc. The latter 
is said to be nearly four times less toxic than cocaine. 

Eucasin. — Casein treated with ammonia so as to render 
it readily soluble. It is a food and is readily taken in the 
form of cakes, thick soup, and chocolate. It is said to be 
especially valuable in chronic phthisis (Hugo Weiss), gas- 
tric ulcer, atony of the stomach, chronic intestinal catarrh, 
anaemia, and chlorosis. 

Euchlorine. — 

1$ Potassium chlorate gr. xviij.-xxx. 

Hydrochloric acid gtt. x. 

Water 3 vii j . 

Said to have been used with benefit in diphtheria, as 
gargle, spray, etc. 

Eudermol. — This is nicotine salicylate containing fifty- 



CO HANDY BOOK OF 

four per cent of nicotine. Used in ointment form for ring- 
worm. 

Eudoxin.— The bismuth salt of nosophen. Has the 
same properties as dermatol, aristol, airol, etc. Dose, gr. 
v. internally three times a day as an astringent and anti- 
septic. 

Eugallol (Pyrogallol Monoacetate) . — This is a syrupy, 
transparent, dark yellow mass easily soluble in water. 
It is very useful in chronic and stubborn cases of chronic 
eczema and psoriasis. It is best used in the form of a paint 
smeared over the patch. This drug is very rapid and vig- 
orous in action, and must be carefully watched. 

Eulexin (Aromatic).— A proprietary preparation used 
for diabetes mellitus, and said to consist of jambul, Para- 
guay tea, cascara sagrada, aromatics, and glycerin. 

Eunatrol. — Oleate of soda, a white powder, cholagogue. 
Dose 3 ss. to 3 i. per diem in capsules. 

Euphorin (Carbamate of Ethyl and Phenyl) . — A white 
crystalline powder slightly soluble in water. Antipyretic, 
antiseptic, antirheumatic. Initial dose, gr. iss. ; maxi- 
mum, gr. xv. 

Euphthalmine Hydrochloride. — A powerful mydriatic 
in five- to ten-per-cent solution. Said to be superior to 
homatropine. 

Euquinine. — An ethyl carbonic-acid ester of quinine. 
It occurs in white crystals, readily soluble in alcohol, ether, 
and chloroform, but with difficulty in water. The alkaloid 
itself is tasteless, with a bitter after-taste. It is best given 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 61 

in sherry, milk, soup, or cocoa. The dose is gr. xv. to 
xxx. daily. It is especially useful in infantile practice. 
This drug has the same remedial virtues as quinine without 
its unpleasant properties, and may be used in all cases where 
quinine is indicated. There are a chloride, sulphate, and 
tannate of the drug, their degrees of solubility being given 
in the order of their arrangement. The hydrochlorate is 
bitter and possesses no advantages over quinine. 

Eurobin. — A compound of chrysarobin and acetic acid. 

Europhen. — Produced by the action of iodine on iso- 
butylorthocresol, and consisting of an antiseptic, amor- 
phous, yellowish powder containing about twenty-eight 
per cent of iodine. Its properties are those of iodoform, 
but it is less poisonous and has a less disagreeable odor. 
Used for wounds, burns, and ulcers in the form of powder, 
or with olive oil, lanolin, collodion, or traumaticin. Very 
serviceable in ulcus molle. 

Do not mix this powder with starch, zinc oxide, mercuric 
oxide, or the salts of mercury, because decomposition will 
occur. 

Used externally in ointment form in strengths of 
from two to ten per cent; subcutaneously, gr. i. to ii. 

Exalgin (Alethylacetanilid) . — A nerve sedative in daily 
doses of gr. iv. to v. Given in capsule or alcoholic mix- 
tures. Also analgesic and antithermic. 

Exophthalmic Goitre (Also known as Basedow's Dis- 
ease and Graves' Disease). — A disease of unknown origin, 
the cardinal symptoms of which are exophthalmus, enlarge- 
ment of the thyroid, tachycardia, functional disturbance of 



62 HANDY BOOK OF 

the nervous and vascular systems. Several post-operative 
cures have recently been reported. 

Ferratin. — A red-brown powder, odorless, tasteless, in- 
soluble in water, but soluble in the presence of soda. It 
contains seven to eight per cent of iron. It is prepared by 
exposing to a certain degree of heat in an alkaline medium 
definite proportions of the white of egg and an iron salt. 
It is a very efficient and prompt chalybeate, easily assimi- 
lated, readily taken, and well borne by children and adults. 
It may be given in powder, capsules, or in the form of 
chocolate tablets (half gram) as they are sold in the 
market. The average dose is gr. vii. to viii. three times a 
day. Now advertised in the public press. 

Ferripyrin. — A preparation containing iron twelve per 
cent and antipyrin sixty-four per cent. Haemostatic and 
astringent in twenty-per-cent solutions. Internally given 
in doses of gr. v. to viii. 

Ferrol. — Said to contain: 

3$ Olei morrhuae (opt. ) § vij. 

Ferri phosphat 3 i j . 

Phosphori , . . . . gr. i. 

Glycerini q.s. ad § xv, 

M. 

Ferrosol. — A black-colored fluid composed of ferric sac- 
charate and saccharate of sodium chloride. 

Dose, teaspoonful three times daily in chlorosis, anaemia, 
etc. 

Ferro-Somatose (Iron Somatose). — A combination of 
iron and albumoses. It consists of an odorless, tasteless 
powder, soluble in water and aqueous fluids. Being com- 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 63 

posed of the nutritious elements of meat and two per cent 
of iron, it acts as a tonic and reconstructive in anaemia, 
chlorosis, debility, convalescence. 

The dose is two teaspoonfuls to a tablespoonful daily for 
an adult and in proportion for children. 

Filmogen. — A new form of varnish said to be superior 
to collodion, first introduced by Dr. E. SchifT, of Yienna. 
It consists of pyroxylin dissolved in acetone, to which is 
added a small quantity of castor oil to render the film more 
flexible. It is practically the same as the collodion of the 
U. S. P., only that acetone is used as the solvent in place 
of alcohol and ether. It is used as a vehicle for various 
drugs — chrysarobin, ichthyol, menthol, anthrarobin, etc. — 
and forms a superficial coating. 

Filopowicz's Sign of Typhoid Fever. — A yellow color 
of the palms and soles, seen in the early days of the dis- 
ease and lasting until the end, is said by Filopowicz {Cen- 
tralblatt fur die medizinisehen Wissenschaften, 1898, No. 11) 
to be of frequent occurrence in enteric fever. 

Flechsig's Opium-Bromide Treatment of Epilepsy. 
(Introduced by Flechsig in 1893). — Opium, beginning 
with about a grain daily, given in three doses, and steadily 
increased until four or five grains daily are administered. 
After a period of six weeks the opium is discontinued, and 
hromides in large doses are used — seventy-five to one hun- 
dred grains a day for at least two months. The fits gener- 
ally yield to the first dose of bromide. The treatment is 
applicable only to chronic intractable cases in which the 
administration of bromides alone has failed. The contra- 



64 HANDY BOOK OF 

indications to its use are the status epilepticus, plethora, 
severe heart disease, and cerebral focal lesions. 

Flint Murmur. — A murmur of rumbling quality occa- 
sionally heard at the apex of the heart in aortic insuffi- 
ciency. At times it is presystolic. 

Florence Reaction.— This is a test for the detection of 
semen. An iodine-rich solution of potassium iodide and 
iodine (potass, iodide 1.65 gm., iodine 2.54 gm., distilled 
water 20 c.c.) is added to fresh semen or to a watery extract 
of the stains, and then examined microscopically. Numer- 
ous dark-brown crystals of various sizes and forms — rhom- 
bic tablets, fine needles — are seen. This reaction does not 
depend upon the presence of spermatozoa, since the same 
reaction may be obtained from the seminal fluid in condi- 
tions of complete azoospermia. It has been suggested that 
the crystals come from spermin, a fact which is not alto- 
gether improbable, because the addition of the reagent to a 
solution of spermin phosphate gives typical Florence crys- 
tals. This test is not absolute, only corroborative, because 
substances other than semen give positive results. 

Fluoroscope. — An instrument for exploring certain 
bodies rendered fluorescent by the x-rays. Thus, if in a 
darkened chamber a Roentgen ray is thrown upon a screen 
covered with the platino-cyanide of barium or potassium, 
the tungstate of calcium, etc., the latter becomes luminous. 
If now between the Crookes tube and the screen an object 
is introduced — e.g., the hand— the flesh or the parts more 
transparent to the x-rays will be seen but faintly, while 
the bones will throw their shadow. 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 65 

Forchheimer's Exanthem. — This is an eruption which 
is seen upon the velum and uvula and is said by the dis- 
coverer to be characteristic of German measles. It consists 
of a macular, rose-red eruption, irregularly arranged, of 
the size of a large pinhead and slightly elevated above the 
mucous membrane. This eruption extends to, but not over, 
the hard palate. The eruption lasts twenty-four hours or 
a fraction thereof. This exanthem is seen only when there 
is a suggestion of the cutaneous lesion and not in the pre- 
emptive stage. 

Formaldehyde-casein (Analogous to Glutol). — A 
feeble antiseptic used as a powder for tampons, gauze, etc. 
It may be sprinkled on moist dressings at the time of use. 

Formalin (Also known as Formic Aldehyde, Formol, 
and Formaldehyde). — This is a forty -per-cent solution of 
formaldehyde gas, and consists of a clear, colorless liquid 
with a sharp, pungent odor and irritating fumes. 

It is a powerful antiseptic and disinfectant. Its advan- 
tage as a disinfectant lies in the fact that it does not injure 
the materials subjected to its influence. 

A special apparatus is required in order to regenerate 
the gas in a dry and efficient state from the forty-per-cent 
solution or from pastils. 

The solution must be evaporated in a closed autoclave 
from which the gas is liberated at a pressure of about three 
atmospheres, with a corresponding temperature of about 
250° F. The presence of a ten-per-cent solution of calcium 
chloride facilitates the operation. 

In disinfecting dwellings, this gas is liberated in great 
volume, and when the doors are opened it may be impos- 



66 HANDY BOOK OF 

sible to enter. The introduction of ammonia gas, however, 
neutralizes the formaldehyde gas, forming what is known 
as "formamide." 

It has been used in dermatology for tinea tonsurans and 
circinata, eczema marginatum, mycotic eczema so called, 
alopecia areata, bites of insects and vermin, hyperidrosis, 
and bromidrosis. For this purpose it is best diluted in 
the proportion of one to four, being too irritating in pure 
form. 

For " sweating feet " it has proven very efficacious — far 
superior, in fact, to chromic acid, powder of salicylic acid, 
alum, etc. It may be applied in the proportion of one to 
four, or half a teaspoonful to the quart of water. — Gerdeck, 
Deutsche mil.-arzt. Zeitschrift. 

In the proportion of TT[iv. to 3 viii. it has been used in 
atrophic rhinitis. In forty-per-cent strength it is useful 
for the fixation of blood specimens and the preservation of 
wine, beer, and pathological specimens. 

Frankel-Gabbet Stain. — A rapid stain for tubercle 
bacilli. Two solutions are used : 

A. 

Fuchsin . . . , 1 

Alcohol 10 

Carbolic acid 5 

Distilled water 100 

B. 

Methylene blue 2 

Sulphuric acid 25 

Distilled water 100 

The dried and fixed preparation remains for ten minutes 
in solution A, is washed in water, dried with filter paper, 
and is then placed for five minutes in solution B, washed 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 67 

and dried. If the stain has been successful, the prepara- 
tion looks a faint blue. This differs from Ziehl's stain, in 
that solution B decolorizes and stains at the same time. 

Fremissement Cataire. — Cardiac thrill ; most common 
in mitral stenosis. 

Friedreich's Disease (Also known as Hereditary or 
Juvenile Ataxia). — A disease which occurs in several mem- 
bers of the same family and manifests itself as a rule in 
early life, usually between the ages of seven and twenty. 
The principal symptoms are an ataxia in which the entire 
body — arms, legs, trunk — participates, nystagmus, a pe- 
culiar, indistinct, slow, scanning speech, and an absence 
of the patellar reflex. The pupils react to light and accom- 
modation, there are no motor or sensory disturbances, and 
the functions of the bladder and rectum are normal. 

The disease must be differentiated from tabes and mul- 
tiple sclerosis. 

Frigotherapy. — Thermic agents have in many instances 
of late been replaced by cold applications with manifest 
benefit. 

The Leiter coil, spraying with chloride of methyl, ether, 
the Brand bath, etc., are here included. Useful in local- 
ized pruritus, urticaria, psoriasis, etc. Inferior to ther- 
motherapy in bactericidal action. 

Gaduol. — A substitute for cod-liver oil, possessing the 
advantage over the latter in not deranging digestion. 

Gaertner's Milk (Fettmilch). — A substitute for mother's 
milk. It looks like ordinary milk with a creamy layer; 
the reaction is slightly acid, the specific gravity 1.016. It, 



68 HANDY BOOK OF 

is agreeable to the majority of children and coagulates in 
finer nocculi than cow's milk. It may constitute the sole 
diet of the child or form an addition to the breast milk. 
According to Jacobi it is to be given in the same percent- 
age during the feeding months ; the quantities are, however, 
increased while the number of feedings are diminished. 
It is occasionally useful in chronic dyspepsia and constipa- 
tion. It is prepared as follows : A mixture of equal parts 
of milk and sterilized water at a temperature of 30° to 36° 
C. is placed into a drum of a centrifuge machine, the 
Pfannhauser balance-centrifuge if possible. The drum is 
revolved four thousand times a minute, driving the fat to 
the centre of the drum because it is in suspension; the 
sugar, salts, and casein being in solution are uniformly 
distributed. Two tubes carrying equal amounts of fluid 
enter the drum, one near the centre, the other at the periph- 
ery. By arranging the inner tube at varying distances 
from the centre, milk containing different amounts of fat 
may be obtained. 

Gaiacyl. — A calcium salt of guaiacol-sulphonic acid. A 
grayish-violet powder, soluble in water. Local anaesthetic 
in five- to ten-per-cent solution. 

Gallacetophenone. — A yellowish powder derived from 
pyrogallol. Produces rapid effects in psoriasis in ten-per- 
cent ointment. It does not stain the linen. 

Gallanol. — A product of heating gallic acid with aniline 
and treating with water made acid with hydrochloric acid. 
Used in weak solutions (1 : 1,000). It prevents pathogenic 
power of micro-organisms. Used in diseases of the scalp, 
in chronic eczema, calming the pruritus, and is said to be 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 69 

superior to chrysophanic acid in psoriasis. It does not 
stain the linen. Also recommended for favus, skin myco- 
ses, triphophytoses, prurigo. May be used in ointment 
form or with collodion, traumaticin, filroogen, etc. 

Gallol. — Same as gallanol. 

Gangolphe's Sign. — A sero-sanguineous effusion in the 
abdomen in intestinal obstruction, soon after strangulation 
Jias occurred. 

Garcia Rigo's Process. — A rapid double-staining for 
blood examination. A drop of blood on a cover-glass is 
diluted with a drop of simple bouillon (kept sterile by a 
little formol), the two being stirred with a sterile platinum 
wire till mixed. The cover-glass is then rested on the end 
of a slide and carefully warmed over an alcohol-flame for 
less than a minute. Eosin-stain is next used and washed 
with water; then methylene-blue and washed again. The 
specimen is then dried and mounted in Canada balsam, the 
whole process being accomplished in five minutes under 
favorable circumstances. 

Garofen. — A new vegetable analgesic and antipyretic 
remedy to replace morphine, acetanilid, etc., said to con- 
tain no opium in any form and no coal-tar products. 

Gastrectasia. — An enlargement of the stomach associ- 
ated with abnormal motility. 

Gastrodiaphanie. — Intragastric illumination showing 
by transparence the form, situation, and extent of the 
stomach. For this purpose a diminutive electric light is 
fastened in the extremity of a stomach tube, which is in- 



70 HANDY BOOK OF 

troduced into the organ previously filled with fluid by 
means of a siphon, 

Gastroptosis. — A sinking of the stomach, which may 
be partial or complete : partial, if the lower border alone 
reaches below the normal; complete, if both upper and 
lower borders sink. This condition is frequently associ- 
ated with enteroptosis. 

Gelanthum. — A varnish introduced by Unna in 1896. 
Crude tragacanth is emulsified in the cold for four weeks 
with twenty times its volume of water. This is then 
treated with steam for one day and finally pressed through 
a muslin sieve. Gelatin is swelled up cold and then fil- 
tered in a steam filter after ]ong exposure to steam pres- 
sure. The mixture of the two together is allowed to swell 
for two days in steam and then squeezed again through 
muslin. It is now mixed with five per cent of glycerin, 
rose-water, and thymol (2 to 10,000). 

Advantages. — Ease of spreading; dries more rapidly and 
with smoother surface than the older skin varnishes; is 
more cooling, and permits of better suspension and more 
even distribution of remedies ; keeps well if protected from 
drying. 

Uses. — Extensive eczemas, etc. 

Gelosin. — A jelly-like substance with which remedies 
may be incorporated, having great absorbing qualities. 

Geographical Tongue. — Also termed wandering rash 
or exfoliatio areata linguae. This is a peculiar map-like 
appearance of the upper surface of the tongue which is 
frequently seen in young children suffering from the exan- 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 71 

thematic fevers, and almost any of the skin diseases — 
eczema, impetigo contagiosa, miliaria, lupus, tinea ton- 
surans, tinea circinata, syphilis. It roay also be observed 
in tonsillitis and gastro-intestinal disturbances. Occasion- 
ally it is present in several children of the same family. 
In differential diagnosis it has no corroborative value, nor 
can one modify the prognosis by its occurrence. 

Geosote. — See Guaiacol valerianate. 

Among the derivates of Creosote the first place is taken 
by the Valerianates of Creosote and Guaiacol, Eosote and 
Geosote. — Rieck. 

Gerlier's Disease (Paralyzing Vertigo). — A nervous 
affection associated with sudden pains in the head and 
neck, paresis of the extremities, vertigo, ptosis, and de- 
pression. Consciousness is retained. It occurs only in 
men and is epidemic in the canton of Geneva, Switzerland. 
This distinguishes it from auditory vertigo or Meniere's 
disease. 

Giuffrida-Rugieri's Stigma of Degeneration. — Ab- 
sent or badly defined glenoid fossa. This condition was 
found more common in women than in men. 

Glandulene. — The name given the dried bronchial 
glands of sheep, which have been prescribed in tuberculosis 
and pneumonia, with very contradictory reports. In tablets 
of gr. iv. each. Dose, three to five tablets three times daily. 
Each tabloid is said to contain 0.25 gm. of fresh gland sub- 
stances. 

Glenard's Disease. — Enteroptosis. 

Gluzinske's Test. — A test for bile pigments. Boiling 
the solution for a few minutes with formalin gives an 



72 HANDY BOOK OF 

emerald-green color, which turns to an amethyst-violet on 
the addition of a few drops of hydrochloric acid. The 
author states that this reaction is given by the bile pig- 
ments and not by the bile salts. 

Glycerophosphate of Calcium.— A preparation which 
of late has found favor with physicians for the treatment 
of neurasthenia and hysteria. The best preparation is a 
French one (Chapoteaut), which may be given in the form 
of a wine, syrup, or in capsules. The dose is gr. iv. or v., 
a tablespoonful of the wine or syrup containing gr. iv. In 
general debility, anaemia, convalescence, phosphaturia, 
albuminuria, sciatica, tic douloureux, this drug has proven 
of value. It may be given subcutaneously in doses of gr. 
iii. to iv. The glycerophosphates of iron, quinine, soda, 
magnesia, potash, and lithia may also be used in the same 
conditions. 

Glycozone. — A compound of one volume of anhydrous 
glycerin exposed to the action of fifteen volumes of ozone 
at ordinary atmospheric pressure. Useful in dyspepsia 
and gastritis. Given in tablespoonful doses with water. 
Also used locally much the same as peroxide of hydrogen. 

Glutol (Formalin-Gelatin). — Used to form a coating 
over fresh wounds as a protective. Prepared by exposing 
gelatin dissolved in water to formaldehyde vapors. 

Gmelin's Test. — This is the test for bile in the urine 
or gastric contents. Put in a test tube or a shallow dish a 
few cubic centimetres of concentrated nitric acid and add 
gently a few drops of the bile-containing fluid. The result 
is a play of colors beginning with green, and followed by 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 73 

blue, violet, red, brown, or yellow. The test is an oxida- 
tion one, and the resulting colors depend upon the forma- 
tion of biliverdin, bilicyanin, and biliprasin, etc. 

Golonboff's Signs of Chlorosis. — A sharp pain situated 
directly over the site of the spleen, and pain on percussion 
over the ends of the long bones, especially the tibiae, are 
said by GolonbofT to be characteristic of chlorosis. 
Splenalgia and osteoroyelalgia have also been applied to 
these symptoms. 

Gonagra. — Gout of the knee joint 

Gonangiectomy. — A term used bj George W. Johnson 
to indicate excision of a portion of the vas deferens. 

Gonococcia. — A generalized infection of the entire or- 
ganism with the gonococcus itself or its toxins. 

Gonohaemia. — Same as gonococcia. 

Gonotoxins. — The toxins of the gonococcus of Neisser. 
These may act upon the blood, kidneys, nervous system, 
and skin. Experiments go to show that injections of these 
toxins do not produce immunity to gonococcic infection. 

Gousset's Symptoms of Phrenic Neuralgia. — The 
existence of a painful point, which is always present and 
well marked to the right of the fourth or fifth chondro- 
sternal articulation. This must not be confounded with 
the retrosternal pain of chronic aortitis. 

Gowers' Haemoglobinometer. — An apparatus for de- 
termining the haemoglobin percentage in the blood. It 
consists of (1) a graduated pipette {melangeur) with india- 
rubber tubing and mouthpiece; (2) of a small graduated 



^4 HANDY BOOK OF 

tube with markings ranging from 10 to 140 ; (3) two small 
tubes containing a solution of picrocarmin glycerin, one 
with a blue tip for working at night, the other with a yel- 
low tip for day work : (4) a small pipette for water. In 
making the test, the finger is cleansed and pricked with a 
needle; blood is sucked up to the mark in (1) and then 
blown into (2) ; the blood is then diluted gradually with 
water by means of (4), and when its color corresponds to 
the picrocarmin-glycerin solution in (3) we read off the 
percentage of haemoglobin. It is advisable to place a few 
drops of water in (2) before beginning the test. The tube 
containing the blood and the one with the test solution are 
best examined against a white background, otherwise errors 
of refraction may give a wrong result. This apparatus is 
inexpensive ($2.50 to $3) and while not quite so accurate 
perhaps as Fleischl's instrument, is for a]l intents and 
purposes just as good for practical and ready examina- 
tions. It might be added that a perforated piece of rubber 
for holding the tubes goes with each outfit. 

Graefe's Sign of Basedow's Disease. — Lack of nor- 
mal relation between the movements of the eyeball and 
upper lid. When the eyeball is moved downward the 
upper lid fails to follow it. This sign may be the earliest 
symptom of the disease. 

Graphorrhcea. — A flow of written words. Analogous 
to logorrhcea. Observed as an intercurrent or intermittent 
condition in some forms of insanity iu which the subject 
is seized with uncontrollable desire to cover page after 
page with strings of words usually unconnected and mean- 
ingless. 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 75 

Graphospasm. — Another term for writer's cramp. 

Guacamphol. — The camphor ester of guaiacol used in 
severe night sweats of phthisis and diarrhoea. 

Guaethol. — An analgetic oily liquid, said to be superior 
to guaiacol. Used in ointment, one part to six of vaseline. 

Guaiacetin. — The soda salt of pyrocatechin mono- 
acetate. It is a white odorless powder, with a bitter taste, 
and soluble in water and wine. It has been used in doses 
of gr. v. to x. for the treatment of phthisis. It may be ad- 
ministered in powder, capsule, or tablet form, or in a mix- 
ture containing sherry. 

Guaiacol. — A fluid having the odor of creosote, obtained 
from guaiacum resin. Useful in phthisis. Dose, tt[ ss. to 
ii. several times a day after meals. Externally, mixed 
with glycerin or vaseline to relieve the pain and swelling in 
orchiepididymitis, acute articular rheumatism, and other 
local inflammatory processes. Applied with camel' s-hair 
brush cautiously. 

Guaiacol Carbonate. — A white, crystalline powder 
which is odorless, tasteless, insoluble in water. Used 
with success in phthisis, increasing the appetite, reducing 
the fever, and diminishing the cough. Usually given in 
capsules, gr. v. three times a day. The dose may be in- 
creased to 3 i. daily. It is said not to be decomposed until 
it reaches the intestine. 

Guaiacol Phosphate. — A colorless, odorless, crystalline 
body, given in doses of gr. vii. to x., especially in pul- 
monary tuberculosis. Best administered in cachets, pills, 
or capsules. 



76 HANDY BOOK OF 

Guaiacol Valerianate. —An oily liquid used in pul- 
monary affections and for subcutaneous injection in tuber- 
culous joints and nodes. 

Guaiaquin. — A proprietary preparation, being the guai- 
acol bisulphonate of quinine and said to possess the double 
properties of guaiacol and quinine. It is a yellowish, bit- 
ter powder, soluble in water, alcohol, and dilute acids. It 
has been used in malaria, typhoid fever, anaemia, cachexia, 
and sepsis. Dose, gr. v. to x. three times a day. Best 
given in pill form with gelatin coating. 

Guaranteed Milk. — Milk furnished by dairymen, farm- 
ers, and milk laboratories with a guarantee that the cows 
from which it is obtained have been tested and failed to 
react to tuberculin, and that it is otherwise pure. 

Gull's Disease. — Generally known as myxcedema. 

Gunzburg's Solution.— This solution is used for test- 
ing the presence of free hydrochloric acid in the stomach 
contents. It consists of 2 gm. of phloroglucin, 1 gm. of 
vanillin, in 30 gm. of absolute alcohol. To make the test, 
a few drops of the filtrate of the stomach contents are 
placed in an evaporating dish or a china spoon, and two or 
three drops of this solution are added; the mixture is 
heated over a s£>irit lamp or Bunsen burner, when, if free 
hydrochloric acid is present, streaks of red will appear 
along the side and on the surface of the mixture. The test 
is a very delicate one, reacting with less than one part of 
hydrochloric acid in 10,000 of water. In cases in which 
there is but a slight amount of free hydrochloric acid it may 
be necessary to blow upon the spoon or dish in order to 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 77 

bring out the red margins. The fluid is to be kept in a dark 
place, and only a few drops need be used for any one test. 

Gynecomastia. — Excessive development of the male 
breasts. 

Gyromele. — An instrument devised by Turck of Chi- 
cago. It is a revolving sound with a sponge attached to 
the cable, worked by a wheel like that of an egg-beater or 
surgical drill. Before being introduced into the stomach 
the cable is slipped through a rubber tube long enough 
to reach through the oesophagus to the cardiac opening. 
When in operation the rotating and vibrating cable may 
be felt by the hand upon the abdomen to pass along the 
greater curvature and then the lesser curvature, the cable 
adapting itself to the shape of the stomach. Besides its 
use in diagnosis it is said to indicate the character of the 
stomach wall, to show the presence of atrophy, and to be 
useful in therapeutic ways. 

Hasmato-Colpos, Metra, Salpinx. — Conditions ob- 
served in atresia of the vagina or hymen, and consisting 
respectively of the distention of the vagina, uterus, and 
tubes with blood. 

Haematoporphyrin. — The following test for haematopor- 
phyrin in urine has been given by A. Garrod : To 100 c.c. of 
urine add 20 c.c. of a ten-per-cent sodiuin-hydrate solution, 
and filter. Wash the filtrate thoroughly with water, add 
absolute alcohol, then enough hydrochloric acid com- 
pletely to dissolve the precipitate. Examine the solution 
with the spectroscope for the (two) characteristic hsemato- 
porphyrin absorption bands. 



78 HANDY BOOK OF 

Hsemochromogen. — Obtained by reducing with hydra- 
zin hydrate a solution of haematin in a moderate amount of 
ammonia. This is washed with alcohol and ether, and then 
dried to a fixed weight, giving a brownish-red powder with 
fairly stable properties. 

Hsemol. — Blood of cold-blooded animals neutralized 
with water and powdered zinc is precipitated with sulphate 
of ammonium, and hsemol is thrown down by the aid of 
hydrochloric acid. It is a brown powder, easily taken and 
rapidly assimilated, and said to be quickly transformed 
into the coloring matter of the blood. Dose, gr. ii. to viii., 
three times a day in wafers or capsules. Useful in debil- 
ity, anaemia, chlorosis, and intestinal ulcerations. 

Hsemostaticum. — A thymus extract containing seven 
per cent of calcium chloride, made alkaline with liquor sodii. 

Haeser's Coefficient. — See Haeser's Kule. 

Haeser's Rule for estimating the solids in the urine 
consists of multiplying the last two figures of the specific 
gravity by 2.3 (this is known as Haeser's coefficient), and 
then multiplying again by the number of litres passed in 
twenty -four hours. The answer represents the amount, in 
grams, of the solids passed in twenty-four hours. 

Haffkine Virus.— An antidote for cholera by inocula- 
tion. The true worth of this remedy has not become suffi- 
ciently known from tests so far made. 

Hager-Schmidt Treatment of Taenia. — 

]$ Oxyd. nigr. cupri 6 

Cretse prep 2 

Argillse alb 12 

Glycerini 10 

M. ft. pil. No. cxx. S. Two pills four times daily. 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 79 

Haine's Modification of Haeser's Rule.— Multiply 
the last two figures of the number representing the specific 
gravity by the number of ounces passed in twenty-four 
hours, and to this add ten per cent of the result. The 
product represents the number of grains of solids voided in 
the twenty-four hours. 

Hammer-Toe. — Hyperextension of the first phalanx 
upon the metatarsal bone and forced flexion of the last two 
phalanges on the first. 

Hansen's Bacillus. — The bacillus of leprosy. Stains 
with Ziehl's solution (see p. 183). 

Harris' Instrument.— An instrument devised by Dr. 
M. I. Harris for obtaining the urine separately from both 
kidneys. It consists of a double catheter enclosed in a 
common sheath about 1\ inches long, each catheter being 
separately movable within the sheath, which is graduated 
in centimetres. At the end of each catheter a short piece 
of rubber tubing is connected with separate glass vials, with 
two corks, one for the tubing to the catheter, the other for 
tubing to a rubber exhaust bulb. 

Harrowing.— A method first used by Dr. Dalageniere 
for the treatment of sciatica, consisting of tearing apart or 
teasing the fibres of the nerve with any blunt instrument. 

Hayem's Solution.— One of the best fluids for use in 

counting the red blood cells : 

Bichloride of mercury 0.5 

Chloride of sodium , 1.0 

Sulphate of soda „ 5. 

Distilled water 200. 



80 HANDY BOOK OF 

The fluid is used with the Thoma-Zeiss counting apparatus 
in the same manner as chloride of sodium. 

Hayem's Solution for intravenous or subcutaneous 
infusion : 

Sodium sulphate 10 

Sodium chloride 5 

Distilled water 1,000 

Used in severe hemorrhages, shock, uraemia, eclampsia, 
and toxsemia. 

Hazelin. — A preparation of witch hazel (Hamamelis 
virginica). It is anodyne, astringent, and styptic. 

Heckel's Prasoide Tincture. — Kecommended by Bal- 
estre in gout. It contains globularin and globularetin in 
proportion of 15 to 17 cgm. per teaspoonful. Dose, one to 
four teaspoonfuls daily. As preventive six drops morning 
and night, increasing gradually to twenty or twenty-five at 
a dose. To be continued for months with occasional in- 
terruptions. 

Hegar's Method of Diagnosticating Fibroma. — The 

finger is passed into the rectum and pressed against the 
tumor ; at the same time the uterus is drawn downward by 
a volsellum. If the tumor is ovarian, it will not move ; if 
uterine, there will be great resistance to drawing down the 
cervix, which will clearly be continuous with the morbid 
growth. 

Hegar's Sign.— Softening of the lower isthmus of the 
uterus in the later months of pregnancy. 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 81 

Heintz's Method for the Determination of Uric 
Acid. — To 200 c.c. of urine add 10 c.c. of hydrochloric acid. 
Let it stand in a cool room twenty-four hours. Collect the 
precipitated uric-acid crystals on a weighed filter, and 
wash with cold distilled water. Dry filter and crystals in 
a desiccator and weigh. Subtract the weight of filter, and 
the result will be the weight of uric acid in 200 c.c. of the 
urine. If albumin is present it must be removed, and 
filtration must always be done before applying the test, 
otherwise subsequent filtration will be very difficult. 

Heliotherapy. — The application of burning-glasses to 
cancer, tuberculous ulceration, or to the destruction of mi- 
crobes and the results of their action. It is essentially the 
transmission of solar light and heat in a concentrated form 
by means of lenses. The method was known to Pliny, who 
speaks of using the sun's rays as a caustic by means of 
crystal globes. 

Heller's Test for (a) albumin and (b) blood in the 
urine : 

(a) To 1 c.c. of nitric acid in a test tube add by means 
of a pipette a few drops of urine ; if albumin is present a 
white ring will appear at the junction of the two fluids. 
The intensity of the ring is directly proportional to the 
amount of albumin present. 

(b) To a few cubic centimetres of urine add a solution of 
liquor potassse, and heat gently. The phosphates which 
become precipitated carry the blood down with them and 
settle at the bottom as a reddish mass. 

Hemamceba Leukaemia. — A term which Loewit thinks 
6 



82 HANDY BOOK OF 

future investigation may bring into use to designate the 
association of an organism belonging to the protozoa (prob- 
ably acystosporidei) in the blood of leukemic patients. It 
seems to subsist upon the leucocytes, but may live in the 
plasma. It is generally amoeboid, and has been demon- 
strated in the spleen during life by puncturing the organ. 

Hemianopsia.— Blindness in half of each eye. If the 
blindness be in like-named halves of both visual fields it is 
termed homonymous hemianopsia; if in opposite, heter- 
onymous hemianopsia. 

Hemicranin. — A proprietary preparation, said to be a 
mixture of phenacetin, caffeine, and citric acid in the pro- 
portion of 5, 1, and 1. Used in gr. x.-xv. doses as an 
analgesic and sedative in migraine and neuralgia. The 
maximum daily dose is 3 iss. 

Henoch's Disease (Nervous Purpura). — This is a dis- 
ease of childhood, and begins suddenly with severe colicky 
pains, diarrhoea, and vomiting ; this is followed by swell- 
ing of the knees, ankles, shoulders, elbows, and wrists, 
which is accompanied by pain and petechise on the extensor 
surfaces. Internal hemorrhages may occur. 

Hepatic Extract. — Gilbert and Carnot have shown the 
coagulating action of liver extract on the blood, and their 
observations have been corroborated by Berthe {Jour, de 
Med., October 10, 1898). The latter used it in haemopty- 
sis, epistaxis, and metrorrhagia with gratifying results. 
The dose is 3iii., given in tepid soup, repeated if neces- 
sary. It may also be administered per rectum. It has 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 83 

been given in the form of an alcoholic, aqueous, or glycer- 
in extract, but the best preparation is desiccated liver. 
Fresh pig's liver is one of the best sources for procuring 
the preparation. 

Hepatopexia. — Fixation of a movable liver. 

Heroin. — A di-acetic derivative of morphine by substi- 
tuting groups of acetyl for two hydroxyl groups. A sub- 
stitute for morphine and codeine. Sedative action on the 
respiration greater than that of morphine. It is said to 
be ten times more powerful than codeine and only one- 
tenth as poisonous. Efficacious in coughs in dose of gr. 
Y2 to |. In affections marked by shortness of breath it 
is said to cause deeper and easier respiration. Floret 
states that it allays cough and pain in angina, bronchitis, 
and pharyngitis. Manges (New York Medical Journal, 
November 26, 1898) has found it very efficacious in bron- 
chial asthma, pleurisy with effusion, incipient tuberculosis, 
emphysema, and pneumonia. Occasionally mild disturb- 
ances of the sensorium, especially in old people, followed 
its use. It also has a mild antipyretic action. Being in- 
soluble in water the drug is best administered in the form 
of powder, capsule, or tablet triturate. Dose, gr. -^t to ^. 
Average dose, gr. T V. 

Hersage. — A dilaceration of the sciatic nerve for a re- 
bellious sciatica. 

Hetol (Cinnamate of Sodium). 

Hippus. — An alternate contraction and dilatation of the 
pupil due to a clonic spasm of the iris and seen occasion- 
ally in hysteria, multiple sclerosis, and migraine. 



84 HANDY BOOK OF 

Hirsh-Libman Streptococcus. — Streptococcus found 
in severe diarrhoeas of infancy and having the following 
characters : " In the faeces it appears as a flattened coccus, 
in short straight chains or angular chains, the diplococcus 
arrangement being frequent. In sugar bouillon, after 
twenty -four hours there is a uniform cloudiness; after five 
or six days the upper part of the fluid clears. The growth 
is less active in ordinary bouillon. In bouillon the coccus 
appears frequently in groups of two or three. In longer 
chains, one of the chains is apt to be larger. The aver- 
age size of the cocci, stained in fuchsin, is 0.75 p- by 0.9 />-. 
The coccus stains with Gram solution." 

Hiss Method. — A method by means of which it is pos- 
sible to obtain within forty-eight hours the typhoid bacilli 
from the faeces and urine of a patient suffering from the 
disease. Two media are used, one by plate culture, the 
other by tube culture. On these media — composed of 
agar, gelatin, sodium chloride, meat extract, and glucose 
slightly acidulated with hydrochloric acid — small colonies 
form with irregular outgrowths and fringing threads. The 
colon colonies on the other hand are larger, darker, and, 
as a rule, without threads. 

Holocaine. — A substitute for cocaine in ophthalmology 
and laryngology. It is an alkaloid obtained synthetically 
from paraphenetidin. It is soluble in water and used in 
one- to four-per-cent solutions. It is relatively cheap and 
non-toxic, does not affect the accommodation or contract 
the blood-vessels. In the throat it does not produce a 
bitter and nauseating sensation, and does not reduce swell- 
ing. 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 85 

Holzin. — A sixty-per-cent solution of formaldehyde in 
methyl alcohol ; first used by Opperman in the treatment 
of whooping-cough. 

Homatropine. — White crystalline flakes soluble in 
water. Used almost exclusively in eye practice. The 
solution employed is from two to six grains to the ounce. 
A few drops of this produces dilatation of the pupil. Its 
advantages over atropine are the greater rapidity of dilata- 
tion, the earlier disappearance of its effects, and the lesser 
danger of increasing the eyeball tension. 

Hot-Air Treatment. — Also known as Tallerman's 
Method. 

Huntingdon's Chorea. — A chronic form of chorea oc- 
curring late in life and characterized by irregular move- 
ments, disturbance of speech, and psychical defects. It 
appears, as a rule, between the twenty-fifth and fortieth 
year, and is occasionally hereditary. 

Husa (Also called yousa, Jioosa, and yusee). — "This is 
an unclassified plant of a dirty whitish-green color, about 
two or three inches long. It is possibly indigenous to 
the Everglades of Florida." — Wixthrop. 

This plant has been said to act as a remedy for the opium 
habit and as an antidote to snake-bite, insect stings, etc. 

Hydrargyrum Colloidale. — A soluble mercurial intro- 
duced by Lottermoser, investigated by Werler (Berlin. Jdin. 
Woch., October 17, 1898). 

Hydroleine. — A preparation of oleum morrhuge. Each 
close of 3 ii. is said to contain : — 



86 HANDY BOOK OF 

Pure Norwegian cod-liver oil v\ lxxx. (gtt. ) 

Distilled water ttj, xxxv. 

Soluble pancreatin gr. v. 

Soda gr. i 

Salicylic acid gr. £ 

Hydrophthalmia.— The glaucoma of children. 

Hyoscine. — The hydrobromate is used hypodermatic- 
ally in doses from -^far to T -J~o in acute mania, chronic de- 
mentia, delirium tremens, and paralysis agitans. 

Hypnal (Hypnol). — A crystalline, odorless, tasteless 
substance produced by mixing chloral and anti pyrin. It 
soothes pain, relieves coughing, and produces sleep. It 
is a good and safe hypnotic and does not irritate the stom- 
ach. Dose, gr. xv. to xxx. 

Hypo-Quinidol. — A combination of quinine and phos- 
phorus. Dose, same as that of quinine, in tonic dose. 

Ichthalbin. — A mixture of ichthyol and albumen em- 
ployed for internal use in gastro-intestinal disorders. 
Dose, gr. v. to viii. 

Ichthyol (Sulpho-ichthyolate of Sodium or Ammonium). 
— This is a product of a bituminous mineral containing the 
residues of fish and other substances found at Seefeld in 
the Tyrol. The commercial article is obtained by distilla- 
tion, first treating with sulphuric acid, then neutralizing 
with soda or ammonia. It contains an equivalent of ten 
per cent, of sulphur. It is a tarry liquid of a strong odor. 

This drug is an antiseptic, deoxidizer, and probably the 
best application for erysipelas ; it is used in many skin 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 87 

affections and internally, preferably in pill form, in uterine 
and intestinal affections. Internal dose, gr. ii. to v. 

Ictus Larynge. — This term is applied to an apoplecti- 
form attack which occurs during a severe paroxysm of 
coughing, and which after a few seconds passes off with- 
out leaving the slightest trace of unconsciousness. In 
some instances small doses of antipyrin over a long period 
have given good results. 

Idioglossia. — A disorder of speech in which the impres- 
sion is made that the speaker is employing a language of 
his own. The term lalling has also been suggested for the 
same tendency to mispronounce vowel sounds and to sub- 
stitute one consonant for another. 

Indican. — Also known as indoxyl-sulphate of potassium. 
The precursor of this substance is indol which is normally 
formed in the intestine by the action of bacteria upon pro- 
teids. The latter is oxidized in the tissues into indoxyl, 
which unites with sulphuric acid, forming indican or in- 
doxyl-sulphate of potassium. In health indican is found 
in but small quantities in the urine, so that its presence in 
large amounts is to be looked upon as pathological. Most 
generally its appearance points to an increased decomposi- 
tion in the intestines; thus, in habitual and prolonged 
constipation, typhoid fever, cholera infantum, carcinoma 
of the caput coli, and intestinal obstruction large amounts 
are found. In fact, wherever decomposition of albuminous 
substances takes place — putrid bronchitis, gangrene of the 
lung, empyema, suppurative peritonitis — indican occurs in 
large quantities. As a rule, the urine is colorless when 
passed; in some cases, however, it looks blue. 



88 HANDY BOOK OF 

Tests. — The two tests generally employed are those of 
JafYe and Obermayer. Both are oxidation tests and have 
for their object the splitting up of indoxyl-sulphate of potas- 
sium and the setting free of a colored product — indigo blue. 

Jqffe Test— To 5 c.c. of urine add an equal quantity of 
hydrochloric acid and one drop of a ten-per-cent solution 
of hypochlorite of soda or calcium hypochlorite ; now add 
an excess of chloroform and shake well. If indican is 
present the solution assumes a blue color, because the in- 
digo blue has been set free and has been dissolved in the 
chloroform. An excess of the hypochlorite solution must 
be avoided, for otherwise hyperoxidation will take place 
and the solution appear colorless even though indican is 
present. 

Obermayer Test. — To the urine add an excess of a twenty- 
per-cent solution of plumbi acetas, and filter; now add 
equal part of Obermayer' s reagent (5 gm. sesquichloride 
of iron, 500 gm. fuming hydrochloric acid), and then chloro- 
form. Shake well and the blue color appears. The ad- 
vantage of this test is that there is no danger of hyper- 
oxidation. 

Intracranial Injections of tetanus antitoxin have been 
employed with success in severe lockjaw. The first use of 
the method in this country was at the general hospital in 
Passaic, N. J., in October, 1898. 

Invalid Bed. — A combination bed and reclining-chair, 
4he latter turning on a pivot so as to stand at right angles 
to the bed and permit the patient to sit with the feet pro- 
jecting over the side of the bed, has been devised by Ernst 
Leutz (see cut, Zeitschr. fur KranJcenpflege, August, 1898). 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 89 

Iodine, Test for. — In some instances, such as the ap- 
pearance of high fever, collapse, delirium, vomiting, etc., 
after the application of iodoform over large extents of 
surface, in the form of gauze, powder, or ointment, it be- 
comes necessary to test for iodoform in the urine. For 
this purpose (a) a few drops (three or four) of nitric acid 
are added to the urine in a test tube, and this is followed 
by half a teaspoonful of chloroform. The test tube is then 
well shaken and the fluid assumes a red-violet color, with 
separation of crystals. 

(b) A small pinch of powdered calomel is placed upon a 
white saucer, and then a few drops of the urine to be ex- 
amined are dropped upon it ; a mixture of the urine and 
calomel is then made with a glass rod. If the urine con- 
tains a notable amount of iodine there is produced a well- 
marked yellow discoloration, which should indicate that the 
iodoform is being absorbed in sufficient quantity to pro- 
duce danger. 

Iodofats. — Substances obtained by Winternitz, by treat- 
ing various kinds of fats with iodine monochloride. These 
fats contain equal parts of iodine and chlorine. After feed- 
ing with these fats iodine is found in the urine in the form 
of an alkaline iodide and also in organic combination. 

Iodoformin. — A red crystalline powder containing eighty 
per cent of iodine. 

Iodoformogen. — Said to be a combination of iodoform 
and albumen. It is a bright yellow powder, odorless, solu- 
ble in water, and used as a dusting-powder for wounds. 
It may produce a dermatitis. 

Iodol. — An odorless, tasteless, light brown or yellow 



90 HANDY BOOK OF 

powder, occasionally used as a substitute for iodoform. 
It contains less iodine than the latter, and is far less poi- 
sonous. It is almost insoluble in water, but soluble in six 
parts of absolute alcohol. Used in chronic conjunctivitis, 
ulcus molle, simple ulcers, etc. In nasal work one per 
cent of menthol added is said to enhance its action and to 
improve the odor. 

Iodol-Menthol. — Said to be a mixture of iodol with 
menthol (one per cent) . Applied in the form of insuffla- 
tions for nose and throat work. 

Iodospongin. — A proteid substance containing iodine 
and isolated by Harnack from the ordinary bath sponge. 

Iodothyrin. — A combination of the active principle of 
thyroid gland and sugar-of-milk. It consists of a whitish 
powder, with a sugar-of-milk taste. It has been recom- 
mended in myxcedema, cretinism, strumous diathesis, 
obesity, uterine hemorrhages, psoriasis, rickets, etc. Dose, 
gr. v. to x. three times daily for adults ; for children, gr. 
x. to xv. a day. It is excreted in the milk. 

Ivan Bang, of Christiania, has reported a case of a child 
with congenital struma in w x hom the neck circumference 
was diminished to a great extent during the period of 
nursing; the mother had an enlarged thyroid, and was 
being treated with iodothyrin. 

Iodozone. — A solution of iodine in ozone. Used as a 
spray for wounds, and has been recommended in pulmo- 
nary tuberculosis. 

Iophobia. — Morbid fear of poisons and virus. 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 91 

Ischaemia. — Local anaemia. 

Ischaemia, Artificial, produced by mechanical means, 
as by position, application of Esmarch bandage, etc. 

Izal. — A coal-tar-derivative antiseptic of recognized 
power. Ointments, surgical dressings, soaps, and recently 
" perles " for internal use have been placed on the market, 
especially in England. It resembles creolin. 

Jacob's Ulcer (Kodent Ulcer). — This is an epithelioma 
of a non-malignanfc, local character, which begins as a 
pimple or wart on the skin near the inner canthus, and 
finally develops into a shallow ulcer with a well-marked, 
sclerotic margin. It is rarely seen before the fortieth 
year. 

Janet Method. — A plan of irrigation of the urethra 
with permanganate of potassium of varying streugth 
(1 : 5,000 to 1 : 1,000). A progressive step in the treatment 
of gonorrhoea which some regard as at times abortive. 
Janet's special apparatus is used. By closing the meatus 
the fluid flows back into the bladder. 

Jelloids. — A form of coated pill in which jujube mass 
is used as the protecting cover. 

Jorisenne's Sign of Pregnancy.— An acceleration of 
the pulse beat on assuming the erect posture after rest. It 
is of doubtful value. 

Kaiserling's Method for the preservation of specimens 
with their natural colors. The organ to be preserved is 
cut into slices from 3 to 5 cm. thick which are placed for 
from three to five davs in — 



92 HANDY BOOK OF 

1. 

Formalin 200 c. c. 

Water 1,000 c.c. 

Nitrate of potassium 15 gm. 

Acetate of potassium 30 gm. 

They are then removed, the fluid is allowed to drain off, 
and are placed in — 

2. 
Alcohol, 80 per cent, for six hours ; then 
Alcohol, 95 per cent, for two hours. 

From this directly into — 

3. 

Water 2,000 

Acetate of potassium 200 

Glycerin 400 

for permanent preservation in a dark place. Further de- 
tails for the preservation of whole organs, etc., should be 
studied in the original article (C. Kaiserling, Virch. Arch., 
Bd. 147, S. 389). The results thus obtained are certainly 
wonderful and promise to be one of the greatest of this 
generation's aids to teaching (Journal of the Boston Society 
of Medical Sciences, March, 1897) . 

Kakke. — The Japanese term for beri-beri. 

Kala Azar. — An epidemic malarial fever peculiar to the 
region of Assam. 

Kaolin. — Kaolin preparation (bolus alba of the German 
and Japanese pharmacopoeias) . Native white silicate of 
alumina. Useful absorbent powder in dermatology, and 
may be used to dilute permanganate of potassium, silver 
salts, etc., in coating pills or powders, since it is not 
acted upon by chemical reagents. 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 93 

Kaori. — A paint for the dressing of wounds. 

Kaposi's Disease. — Xeroderma pigmentosum. 

Katatonia. — First used by Kahlbaum to denote a type 
of melancholia beginning with vertigo, insomnia, abnormal 
sensations in the head, irritability, and gradually increas- 
ing melancholia. 

Keratin. — A substance obtained by treating horn 
shavings with ether, alcohol, and an acid. It is 
used for coating pills which are intended for medica- 
tion of the intestines. This substance is not acted on 
by the gastric juice, but freely dissolves in the intes- 
tinal contents. 

Kernig's Phenomenon of Meningitis. — A person af- 
fected with meningitis when raised to the sitting posture, 
cannot extend the slightly flexed leg, whereas in the lying 
position the limb is perfectly relaxed. Netter (Progres 
Medical, July 30, 1898) regards this sign as almost patho- 
gnomonic, and has observed it forty-one times in a series 
of forty-six cases. A person in health when sitting up in 
bed with his leg flexed can straighten it without any diffi- 
culty. This sign was absent in typhoid fever, pneumonia, 
polyarthritis, and chorea. Netfcer has found it present in 
all forms of meningitis — tuberculous, secondary, and cere- 
brospinal. 

Kineto-Therapeutic Bath. — Water gymnastics or 
baths in which certain motions and movements are carried 
out. Advocated in paresis, muscular atrophy of the lower 
extremities, etc. 



94 HANDY BOOK OF 

Kirstein's Autoscope.— An instrument somewhat of 
the shape of a vaginal retractor, used for direct inspection 
of the vocal cords, by elevating the epiglottis. 

Kola-Tannin. — A compound of caffein and tannin, con- 
taining twenty to twenty -five per cent of the former, ob- 
tained by Prescott and Knox from kola-nuts. 

Kolpitis Emphysematosa (Zweif el).— Emphysema of 
the vagina, first described by von Winckel, by whom it was 
called kolpohyperplasia cystica; it is characterized by 
gas-containing cysts in the vagina, especially in pregnancy. 
There is a feeling of dryness and crackling on examination. 
Suggested by J. M. Jackson to be due to blocking of lym- 
phatics, especially as it is seen after abdominal hysterec- 
tomy. 

Koplik's Spots. — A pre-eruptive and early eruptive 
pathognomonic sign of measles, which consists in the ap- 
pearance " on the mucous membrane lining the cheeks and 
lips (buccal mucous membrane) of small irregular spots of 
a bright red color, in the centre of which there is a minute 
bluish-white speck. 

" This eruption or phenomenon or sign appears on the 
mucous membrane of the cheeks and lips fully twenty-four 
or forty-eight or even seventy -two hours before the appear- 
ance of the eruption or exanthema of the skin. It spreads 
and reaches its height just as the skin eruption has ap- 
peared and is spreading. It then fades. Thus we have a 
sort of a cycle." 

The number of spots varies from a dozen or more to the 
lining of the entire cheek. The spots never coalesce, how- 
ever, the punctate character always being retained. 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 95 

" If the mouth has been washed these spots may have 
been rubbed off and then the appearance is lost. " In order 
to see these minute spots distinctly very strong daylight 
must be used, and the mucous membrane of the cheeks and 
lips must be everted with the fingers or a spatula, prefera- 
bly the latter. Microscopically the spots are said to con- 
sist of fatty epithelium. Thus far neither fibrin nor bac- 
teria have been found. The number of these spots bears 
no relation to the severity of the disease and does not in- 
fluence the prognosis one way or the other. 

These spots are of value, not only in diagnosticating an 
incipient measles to the exclusion of influenza, bronchitis, 
tonsillitis, febricula, etc., but also in differentiating mor- 
billiform and other eruptions from measles. In a large 
series of dermatological cases the authors have never seen 
this sign in any other disease. 

Koumiss (also spelt Koumyss). — A nutrient, stimulat- 
ing, and effervescent beverage which is essentially fermented 
mare's milk. It contains alcohol, carbonic-acid gas, sugar, 
fat, and lactic acid, and may be prepared as follows : To 
one pint of cool milk add two teaspoonfuls of sugar of 
milk and then one-sixth of a cake of Fleischmann's yeast. 
Cork the bottle tightly and allow it to stand in a warm place 
(70° to 80° F.) for eight to ten hours; it is then to be put 
on ice and used when cold. It is indicated in phthisis, 
chlorosis, anaemia after hemorrhage, and in all protracted 
diseases, malnutrition, and cachectic conditions. In cases 
of irritable stomach it is often retained after everything 
else fails. It should be taken cold, and thus administered 
it often acts as an anti-emetic. It should not be used as 



96 HANDY BOOK OF 

a substitute for milk alone, since it contains from two to 
four per cent of alcohol. 

Kreosolid. — A magnesium compound of creosote, used 
by Denzel in tuberculosis. 

Kristalline. — A substitute for collodion prepared by 
dissolving gun-cotton in methyl alcohol. Like collodion 
and traumaticin it is used as a vehicle for various drugs 
applied in skin medication — chrysarobin, pyrogallic acid, 
aristol, anthrarobin, gallanol, etc. — forming a firm, trans- 
parent film. 

Kryofin. — This occurs in the form of fine, colorless, 
odorless, and tasteless crystals, soluble in hot water, alco- 
hol, and glycerin. It is an antipyretic, analgesic, and anti- 
neuralgic powder in doses of gr. iv. to viii. Useful in 
migraine, neuritis, myalgia, meningitis, articular rheuma- 
tism, influenza, and the lancinating pains of tabes dorsalis. 
It may be given in powder, capsule, water, or aromatic 
syrups. Highly recommended by Eichhorst and Mink. 

Kummerfeld's Solution. — 

I£ Sulph. precip 3 i.-iij. 

Pulv. camph gr. v. 

Pulv. tragacantb gr. x. 

Aquas calcis, 

Aquas rosae aa § i. 

S. Apply after washing at night. 

Used in varying strengths for acne, according to the sus- 
ceptibility of the skin and the severity of the case. 

Laborde's Method of resuscitation in apparent death 
from drowning and anaesthetics. This method really con- 
sists of rhythmical traction of the tongue. Place a piece 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 97 

of linen round the tip of the tongue and grasp it with the 
thumb and middle finger; now pull the tongue forward 
with a jerk and then relax it again ; repeat this manoeuvre 
twenty times a minute. A sense of resistance is felt in the 
tongue before there is any attempt at respiration. Trac- 
tion should be continued for thirty or sixty minutes. Dr. 
W. Freudenthal {New York Medical Journal, December 10, 
1898) refers to his modification of this method, which con- 
sists of irritation of the epiglottis with a view of producing 
reflex action. He moves the finger to and fro over the 
epiglottis, thus " tickling " it, as it were. 

Lactic Acid. — Used by Zolatorin with good results in 
a case of arthritis deformans ; the dose was forty drops 
daily for three weeks. Also advocated for laryngeal tuber- 
culosis and leucoplakia buccalis. Bowles has used it for 
summer diarrhoea in doses of gr. 1^ every hour. 

Lactic-Acid Bacilli. — These are long, thread-like, im- 
mobile bacilli, first described by Boas and found most fre- 
quently in the gastric contents of carcinoma of the stomach. 

Lacto-Glycose. — A <hy powder prepared from Mellin's 
Food and milk, free from starch and with the casein me- 
chanically broken up. 

Lactol (Lacto-Naphthol). — Analogous to benzo-naph- 
thol. 

Lactone. — An unfermented sparkling milk product. 

Lactopeptin. — A grayish powder used as a digestant, 
in doses of gr. x. to xx. in powder or tablet form, said to 
contain pepsin, ptyalin, pancreatin, lactic and hydrochloric 

acids. 

7 



98 HANDY BOOK OF 

Lactophenin. — Said to be a safe and efficient antipyretic 
and sedative, particularly adapted for children. The dose 
for a child one to two years old is from gr. ss. to i. three 
times daily. The average adult dose is gr. v. to xv. re- 
peated every three hours. The maximum daily dose is 3 i. 
It may be given in powder or tablet form as such, or com- 
bined with quinine, phenacetin, codeine, Dover's powder, 
caffeine, etc. It has been tried and found very effica- 
cious by Oaille, Jaksch, Landowski. G. von Eoth (Wiener 
hlin. Wochenschrift, vii. 37) has used it in acute articular 
rheumatism and considers it as efficacious as salicylate of 
sodium. It occasionally produces a transitory cyanosis. 

Lactose. — As a diuretic in doses of § iii. daily, dis- 
solved in two quarts of water. 

Lacto-Somatose (Milk Somatose). — A combination of 
the albuminous principles of milk with five per cent tan- 
nic acid. It is an odorless and tasteless powder, soluble in 
water and aqueous solutions. Dose for children, one to 
two teaspoonfuls ; for adults, two to three tablespoonfuls. 
Used especially in children for gastro-intestinal disorders. 

Laevulose.— See Diabetin. 

Lsevulosuria. — A variety of diabetes. The elimination 
of laevulose by the urine seems to give rise to a syndrome 
in which certain symptoms common to grave neurasthenia 
predominate (insomnia, the idea of crime, tendency to sui- 
cide) . If not promptly recognized suicide may occur. In 
testing be guided by SelievanofT reaction. — Eobinson. 

Lalande's Method for the Treatment of Syphilis. 
— Dr. Lalande, a homoeopathic physician of Lyon, re- 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 99 

cently proposed before the Societe de Biologie de Paris to 
treat syphilis with hypodermic injections of a saline solu- 
tion of powdered calves' horn in the proportions of 

Pulv. cornu .... 60 gm. 

Sod. chlor 10 " 

Aquae dest 1,000 " 

The doctor claims the most satisfactory results for his 
prescription ; old cases in which he used the treatment for 
two years had no relapses during that time. Also known 
as the keratin treatment. 

Landry's Paralysis (also known as Acute Ascending 
Paralysis). — This is an affection characterized by the sud- 
den paralysis of the lower, then the upper extremities, 
and finally the medulla oblongata, while sensation and the 
functions of the bladder and rectum remain intact. It is 
a disease of adult life and usually ends fatally, death being 
due to respiratory paralysis. The disease generally lasts 
from seven to fifteen days. Some cases are only with dif- 
ficulty distinguished from multiple neuritis and myelitis. 

Langier's Sign. — In obstruction of the small intestine 
the abdomen is globular in the centre and flat in the flanks. 

Lanolin Powder. — A mixture of zinc oxide and mag- 
nesium carbonate with lanolin. It is prepared by dis- 
solving the lanolin in ethar, adding the powder, evaporat- 
ing, and then pulverizing the residue. 

Lanoform. — Lanolin mixed with one per cent formal- 
dehyde. Used as an antiseptic. 

Largin. — An albumen-silver preparation used in the 
treatment of gonorrhoea. It is a grayish powder produced 
by the action of an ammoniacal solution of silver oxide on 



100 HANDY BOOK OF 

an alcoholic solution of the dry product of decomposition 
of the paranucleo proteids. Pezzoli (Wien. hlin. Wochen., 
No. 11, 1898) states that as an antigonorrhoeic it is equiva- 
lent to the other silver preparations, that it kills gono- 
cocci more promptly, and that it penetrates more deeply 
into dead organic substances. It is used in a solution of 
1 : 6,000 to 1 : 4,000, or stronger. 

Lasegne's Sign. — In sciatica, if the thigh is flexed upon 
the pelvis with the leg fully extended at the knee, consid- 
erable pain is produced, because the sciatic nerve is thus 
stretched. 

Lehman's Sign. — To prognosticate as to an easy or 
difficult anaesthesia in giving chloroform, if the lids closed 
by the ansesthetizer reopen at once, wholly or in part, it is 
an indication that the narcosis will be difficult. Con- 
versely, in those who take chloroform well the eyes remain 
closed from the beginning. 

Leinol. — Eecommended by Prof. William H. Thomson 

for chronic coughs and colds. Each fluid ounce is said to 

contain : 

Olei lini comp 33^ per cent. 

Acidi hydrocyanici gtt. iv. 

Codeinse sulph gr. ss. 

Olei cinnamom. , 

Chondri aa q.s, 

Leistikow's Lotion.— 

I£ Corrosive sublimate 0. 5 

Alcohol, 

Chamomile water aa 25. 

Chloroform gtt. v. 

Cherry-laurel water q.s. ad 100. 

This is used for pruritus of the scrotum. 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 101 

Leiter Coil. — A continuous rubber tube coiled into a 
circular pad to be applied to the body's surface. By in- 
serting one end in a vessel of cold or iced water and mak- 
ing suction on or " stripping " the other extremity a con- 
tinuous current is started. 

Lenigallol (Pyrogallol Triacetate). — A white powder, 
insoluble in water, but gradually dissolved on warming 
with aqueous solutions of alkalies. Used in acute, sub- 
acute, and chronic psoriasis, and eczema in the same 
manner as pyrogallol. It does not affect the healthy skin 
and is practically non-poisonous. 

Leukonychia. — A peculiar whitish discoloration of 
the nails due to the presence of air beneath them and 
in their substance. There are but four or five cases on 
record. 

Leyden's Asthma Crystals. — These consist of sharply 
pointed, refractive, octahedral crystals, observed micro- 
scopically in the sputum of bronchial asthma. 

Ligriosulphite. — A liquid containing volatile oils, used 
for inhalation in tuberculosis. 

Lipanin. — A purified olive oil, said to be prepared from 
the finest quality of virgin olive oil, in accordance with the 
formula of Prof. J. von Mering, and used as a superior sub- 
stitute for cod-liver oil. It is more agreeable to the taste 
and smell than cod-liver oil; it emulsifies rapidly and is 
quickly absorbed, and it is acceptable in warm as well as in 
cold weather. It is said to keep better than cod-liver oil. 
Dose : for a child of one to six years, one to two teaspoon- 
fuls twice daily ; for older children, one-half to one table- 



102 HANDY BOOK OF 

spoonful daily; for adults, a tablespoonful two to four 
times a day. It lias proven of great value in rickets (espe- 
cially in combination with phosphorus), scrofula, phthisis, 
chronic rheumatism, anaemia, and during convalescence 
from protracted diseases. 

Lipogenic Glycosuria. — The glycosuria of obese sub- 
jects, which, as a rule, is of minor significance and is rarely 
followed by a true diabetes. 

Liquid Air. — As long ago as 1877, Pictet, by submitting 
oxygen to enormous pressure combined with intense cold, 
produced a clear bluish liquid which bubbled violently for 
a few seconds and disappeared as a cold white mist. 
This experiment proved oxygen to be not, as had been 
supposed, a permanent gas, but merely the vapor of a 
mineral. The first ounce of liquid air produced by Pro- 
fessor Dewar, some fifteen years ago, cost over three thou- 
sand dollars. Quite recently Tripler, of New York, has 
succeeded in producing it at the rate of fifty gallons a day 
at a cost of twenty cents per gallon. Dewar compressed 
nitrous-oxide gas and ethylene gas, and, by expanding 
them suddenly, produced a degree of cold which liquefied 
air almost instantly. Tripler applies the principle of util- 
izing compressed air, which is also a gas, for the produc- 
tion of the necessary cold. It is the coldest substance 
known, with the exception possibly of liquid hydrogen. A 
drop upon the skin has the same effect as iron at a white 
heat. Since, however, it does not burn, it seems admira- 
bly adapted for surgical uses, and is said to destroy patho- 
logical tissue much more safely than either caustic potash 
or nitric acid. The therapeutic uses of this powerful agent 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 103 

are still in their earliest infancy, but would seem to be very 
promising. 

Liquid Hydrogen. — Produced in the same manner as 
liquid air under great pressure and the effect of cold. Its 
boiling point is 240° C. Its chief use at present seems to 
be in the manufacture of high vacuum tubes. 

Liquor Carbonis Detergens. — This is a tar prepara- 
tion which has been used with good results in chronic 
eczema. "It is prepared by taking 9 ounces (288.0) of 
tincture of soap-bark (quillaja-bark) , and 4 ounces (128.0) 
of coal-tar, mixing and allowing them to digest for eight 
days, after which the mixture is filtered and used." — Hare. 
It should be used diluted in the proportion of 2 drachms 
to 4 ounces of water. 

Listerine. — This is an agreeable, mild antiseptic con- 
taining, according to a published formula : 

Oil of eucalyptus, 

Thymol, 

Oil of wintergreen, 

Menthol aa gr. x. 

Boric acid 3 ss. 

Alcohol I ivss. 

Water q.s. ad 3 xvi. 

On account of its deodorizing and antiseptic properties, it 
is largely used for the nose and throat in the form of 
washes and sprays. It may be given with water alone, 1 
to 10, or in combination with boric acid, bicarbonate of 
sodium, iron, and various astringents. 

Litten's Sign. — A constant visible movement of the 
diaphragm on inspection of the chest wall, described by 
Litten. It is an undulating movement or shadow begin- 



104: HANDY BOOK OF 

ning at about the sixth intercostal space, and descending 
on inspiration as a furrow at times as far as the costal mar- 
gins. In expiration it returns to the starting-point. Seen 
best in the recumbent posture. 

Little's Disease (Spastic paraplegia of infants, or 
diplegia spastica infantilis). — A disease due either to a 
birth palsy, the result of a severe and instrumental labor, 
or to a congenital defect of the cerebrum. Though pres- 
ent from birth, the disease is not noticed, as a rule, until 
the child begins to walk, that is, from the second to the 
sixth year. The first symptoms which attract attention 
are the rigidity of the limbs and the difficulty in walking. 
When the child attempts to walk he looks for aid and his 
awkwardness is increased. The limbs are rigid and the 
reflexes exaggerated. The attitudes when standing and 
walking are quite characteristic. There is talipes equinus 
of various degrees and a tendency to genu valgum. While 
standing and when walking the child drags one foot over 
and in front of the other. The gait is a waddling one, 
similar to that seen in congenital dislocation of the hip. 
The arms may or may not be involved. Occasionally they 
show a slight rigidity. There is no disturbance of sensa- 
tion, and the functions of the bladder and rectum are nor- 
mal. In some cases the intelligence is good ; others show 
defects in memory and speech, idiocy, imbecility, strabis- 
mus, nystagmus, and epileptiform attacks. 

Loeffler's Bacilli. — The diphtheria bacilli, at present 
usually designated as Klebs-Loeffier bacilli. 

Loeffler's Solution.— See Toluol. 

Loretin (a derivative of quinolin). — A yellow crystal- 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 105 

line powder, without odor, used in surgery to prevent 
suppuration, also in eczema, lupus, and erysipelas. In 
solutions of two to five per cent it may take the place of car- 
bolic solution ; also used in five- to ten-per-cent ointment. 

Losophan (Tri-iodo-cresol) . — This drug consists of 
white needles soluble in ether and chloroform. It is used 
in eczema, sycosis, pityriasis versicolor, as an antiseptic 
and antimycotic. Best employed in one- to five-per-cent 
ointment or in alcoholic solution. Avoid this drug in 
acute inflammatory conditions. 

Lucas-Championniere's Antiseptic Powder. — 

R Powdered gray cinchona, 
Powdered benzoin, 
Iodoform, 
Magnesium carbonate Equal parts by volume. 

Luschka. — A name associated with the pharyngeal 
tonsil at the vault of the pharynx, and known as Luschka's 
or the third tonsil. A small gland near the tip of the 
coccyx is also known by this name. 

Lutaud's Lotion. — 

R Chloral hydrate, 

Tincture of eucalyptus aa 10 parts. 

Cocaine hydrochlorate 1 part. 

Distilled water 500 parts. 

Used especially for pruritus vulvae. 

Lycetol (Dimethylpiperazin). — A white powder, solu- 
ble in water, and like piperazin, used as a solvent of uric 
acid. Also supposed to have diuretic properties. Dose, 
gr. x. to xv. three to four times a day, in gout and chronic 
rheumatism. This drug may now be obtained in the form 



106 HANDY BOOK OF 

of an alkaline carbonated mineral water, put up in bottles 
of 24 ounces. 

Lysidin. — A new solvent for uric acid. It is a watery 
solution containing fifty per cent of a hygroscopic crystal- 
line base, lysidum crystallizatum. Dose is "fil xxx. to tfj, cl. 
in aerated water in divided doses during the day. 

Lysol. — Almost a perfect antiseptic and disinfectant in 
solutions of from one-half to two per cent. A brownish, 
clear, oily fluid, with an odor of carbolic acid and creo- 
sote. With water it makes a clear, soapy solution, and 
acts as a lubricant. For the disinfection of instruments 
this latter fact is considered a disadvantage, for it renders 
them slippery ; this may be obviated, however, by a sub- 
sequent washing in sterilized water. It is more powerful 
than carbolic acid and less poisonous. It has replaced 
creolin and carbolic acid, and bids fair to be used as ex- 
tensively as bichloride of mercury, the indications for its 
use being practically the same. It is not altogether non- 
poisonous, and a few instances of poisoning — Cramer (Gen- 
tralbl. fur Gynakol., 1898, No. 39), Pourtales (Archiv fur 
Gynakol., 1898, 57, No. 1) — especially after uterine irriga- 
tion, have been reported. In dermatology it is useful in 
dilution in pruritic affections, eczema marginatum, chronic 
eczemas, etc. 

Mackenzie's Eye Lotion. — 

I£ Corrosive sublimate gr. i. 

Chloride of ammonium gr. vi. 

Cochineal gr. iss. 

Alcohol 3 i. 

Water § viij. 

Mix, and filter for half a day. 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 107 

Macrocheilia.— Hypertrophy of the lip. This may be 
congenital or secondary to acromegalia, myxcedema, stru- 
mous diathesis, chronic rhinitis, etc. 

Magnesium-Nitric Test for Albumin in Urine. — 

R Strong nitric acid 3 iv. 

Saturated watery solution of sulphate of magnesia. . . 3 xx. 

Used in the same manner as Heller's nitric-acid test. It 
is said to be more sensitive and to give a sharper and more 
compact ring than the latter, and has the advantage of not 
staining the hands. 

Malakin. — Yellowish, silky needles formed from salicy- 
lic aldehyde, and paraphenetidin. Used in acute articular 
rheumatism and in fevers. Dose, gr. xv. in cachets, four 
times daily. 

Mallein. — Used as injection (1 mgm. to 1 cgm.) to de- 
tect glanders in the human subject as well as in veterinary 
practice. 

Mai Perforant, Buccal.— A disease first described by 
Fournier, seen in instances of tabes and of late syphilis, 
and characterized by ulceration and perforation of the 
alveolar border of the upper jaw and the neighboring hard 
palate. 

Malt Soup. — The following soup is used at the Breslau 
University children's clinic in gastro-intestinal diseases: 
Fifty grams of wheat flour are stirred into one-third of a 
quart of water (50° C); to this 10 c.c. of a eleven-per-cent 
solution of potassium carbonate are added. The malt- 
extract mixture is then stirred into the mixture of milk and 
flour, and the entire mass is cooked together. 



108 HANDY BOOK OF 

Malvina Lotion and Cream.— These are proprietary 
preparations which are said to have proven efficacious in 
freckles or lentigo. The lotion is said to consist of two 
grains of bichloride of mercury, three drachms of zinc 
oxide, and one pint of emulsion of almonds with rose-water. 
The cream, according to Neiv Idea, consists of, approxi- 
mately : 

I£ Saxoline § ss. 

White wax 3 i. 

Spermaceti 3 ss. 

Bismuth gr. xl. 

Bichloride of mercury gr. ss. 

Spirits of rose ( 3 iv. oil to O i. water) nj, xx. 

Oil of bitter almonds v\i. 

Heat the first three ingredients until melted, and while 
this is cooling add the bismuth and bichloride. When 
nearly cool add the perfume. 

Mamarowsky's Method for Staining Skin Sections. 

— The sections are, according to the Post- Graduate, first 
cut in paraffin and then placed for twenty -four hours in 
saturated solution of bichloride of mercury, containing 
five per cent bichromate of potash and 0.6 per cent sodium 
chloride. They are then stained for fifteen minutes in a 
slightly heated picrocarmin, washed in water, and then 
stained again for thirty minutes in alum hematoxylin. The 
sections are next stained for one and one-half minutes in a 
saturated solution of picronitric acid, until the dark-red 
epidermis can be distinguished from the light rose-colored 
corium. Wash in water, dehydrate, clear, and mount. 
The horny layer and blood are stained yellow, the smooth 
muscle structure gold-yellow, the small-celled infiltration 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 109 

dark violet, the rete Malpighii violet. The staining is very- 
permanent. 

Man's Method of Treating Taenia.— A laxative is 
administered the day previous. The evening before wine 
and water may be drunk, but no milk. The following 
morning at eight o'clock, the patient is given in repeated 
doses the ethereal extract of filix mas (20 to 25 gm.) in 
capsule or pill, and as much wine and water as is desired. 
By eleven o'clock, as a rule, the worm is discharged. 

Marie, Sign of. — A peculiar nervous tremor observed 
in exophthalmic goitre. The tremor may occur in all parts 
of the body, but is most frequently seen in the fingers and 
hands. 

Markasol (Bismuth Boro-phenate). — An antiseptic used 
in surgical dressings. 

Mastopexy. — Hypertrophy of the breasts. 

Materna. — The name given to a new apparatus for modi- 
fying milk. It consists of a sixteen-ounce vessel with vari- 
ous graduations for milk, cream, water, and sugar of milk. 
By following the markings on the glass, the proper propor- 
tion of proteids, fat, and milk sugar for the various periods 
of childhood is said to be obtained. 

Matzoon. — Milk which has undergone lactic-acid fer- 
mentation. Yery palatable and used with good results in 
gastritis, fevers, nervous prostration, typhoid, and hyper- 
emesis of pregnancy. That of Dr. Dadirrian is the best. 

McClintock's Rule. — A pulse of one hundred or more 
beats per minute after childbirth indicates an impending, 



110 HANDY BOOK OF 

post-partum hemorrhage. The physician should under no 
circumstance leave the patient's side until the normal pulse 
rate has been attained. 

Medicated Soaps. — The method of applying curative 
agents by means of soaps has recently come into favor, 
especially since reliable firms have placed on the market 
really efficacious soaps of definite strength of medicament 
and in appropriate combinations. Almost all the newer 
drugs of dermatological worth can now be had in this form. 

Medullin. — Spinal-cord extract, similar in preparation, 
uses, and dose to cerebrin. 

Megalogastria. — An abnormally large stomach, with- 
out any functional or organic disturbance. 

Megalonychosis.— A term used by Dr. E. L. Keyes, 
Jr., to designate a "universal non-inflammatory enlarge- 
ment of the nails " {Medical Record, April 23, 1898). 

Megalosporon.— One of the two distinct fungus plants 
causing ringworm. It belongs to the Botrytis. It gets its 
name from its forming, while fructifying, grape-like clus- 
ters. There are two subdivisions : (a) Megalosporon endo- 
thrix, and (b) Megalosporon ectothrix. According to 
Sabouraud the endothrix is never found in domestic ani- 
mals ; the ectothrix is present in dogs, cats, horses, pigs, 
and birds. 

Melachol. — A strong solution of sodium citrophosphate, 
used in diseases of the liver. 

Mel-Maroba. — A tonic said to contain the medicinal 
properties of manaca, caroba, stillingia, and iodide of po- 
tassium. 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. Ill 

Melulose.— A name given by Hoff to a pure concen- 
trated extract of malt. 

Mercury, Asparaginate of. — Used in hypodermatic 
injections, passing rapidly into the circulation and being 
rapidly eliminated. One-half-per-cent solutions are said 
not to be painful. One centigram in a cubic centimetre of 
water may be repeated daily. 

Mercury Colloidale. — See Hydrargyum Colloidale. 

Mercury Sozoidol. — Antisyphilitic, especially as an in- 
jection : 

I£ Hydrargyri sozoidol gr. xv. 

Potassii iodidi gr. xxv. 

Aquse destillatse , . . 3 "ss. 

M. S. Inject ~n[ x. every day or every second, third, or fourth 
day. 

Mercury Sozoiodolate. — Insoluble in water, soluble in 
salt water, used in powder form, one-per-cent ointment, and 
eight-per-cent lotion, for syphilitic affections. 

Mercury Succinimide.— Used in hypodermatic injec- 
tions as a form of mercury which does not precipitate albu- 
min. Daily doses from gr. -^ to -j^. 

R Hydrarg. succinimid 1.30 

Aquae destillatse 1,000.0 

M. S. One Pravaz syringeful. 

Mercury Thymol Acetate. — As a hypodermatic injec- 
tion, 1 part in 10 of oil. fU xv. injected once a week. 

Merycism.— Another term for rumination in man. This 
is a very rare affection, and Sinkler (Journ. Amer. Med. 
Assoc, April 9, 1898) has collected only thirteen cases in 
American literature. It is not a simple vomiting or re- 
gurgitation of food. 



112 HANDY BOOK OF 

Methyl Salicylate. — Recommended by Lannois in the 
form of ointment with lanolin or vaseline for subacute and 
chronic articular rheumatism. It is advisable to cover the 
ointment with a bandage. 

Methylene Blue. — First used by Mosetig for the treat- 
ment of cancer. Now used to test the eliminative power 
and permeability of the kidneys by the length of time it 
takes to appear in the urine. Also useful in gonorrhoea, 
cystitis, pyelitis, Bright' s disease, and other affections. 
Has been used in gastric hyperacidity, migraine, neuralgia, 
and in malaria, when quinine is undesirable or has failed. 
Estay (Medecine Moderne, January 22, 1898) recommends it 
in diabetes mellitus. Best given in capsules or pills, with 
an equal quantity of powdered nutmeg. Dose is gr. i. to 
v. In dermatology it has recently been recommended by 
one of us in three-per-cent watery solution for intertrigo, 
eczema, etc. 

Meunier's Sign of Measles. — A pronounced loss of 
weight day by day, noticed four or five days after conta- 
gion. This may reach 50 gm. daily, beginning five or six 
days before the occurrence of catarrhal and febrile symp- 
toms. 

Micajah's Wafers. — These are said to contain: 

Mercury bichloride gr. T V 

Zinc sulphate gr. v. 

Bismuth subnitrate gr. xv. 

Acacia gr. v. 

Carbolic acid gr. iij. 

Water q.s. 

Recommended by Dr. Juettner, of Cincinnati, in the 
treatment of rectal ulcers *. 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 113 

1$ Micajah 's wafers 2 

01. theobrom q. s. 

M. ft. supposit. iv. 

Micro-Cautery. — A term employed to denote cauteri- 
zation by the application of a fine-pointed instrument. 

Microcidin (Sodium Beta-Naphtholate). — An antiseptic. 

Microsporon Audouini. — A plant formerly supposed 
to be a trichophyton. It occurs in most cases of ringworm 
of the scalp in children, and consists of innumerable small 
round spores (3 p- in diameter). These spores usually lie 
in a dense mass. 

Migrainator. — Dr. Sarason has suggested an instru- 
ment for the relief of migraine, which he describes in the 
Deutsche med. IVoch., No, 35, 1898. It consists of two 
plates, which are firmly pressed on the temples by a spring, 
and the device looks very much like a double truss. By 
the compression of the temporal arteries the circulation of 
the blood in the head is regulated and pain is relieved, 
especially in angiopathic hemicrania. 

Migranin. — This is said to be a combination of anti- 
pyrin, citric acid, and caffeine in certain proportions. 
As its name implies, it is used for the paroxysms of mi- 
graine. Dose, gr. xv. every two to three hours, if neces- 
sary. 

Migrol. — A salt composed of caffeine and guaiacetin. 
Used for nervous headache, neuralgia, and migraine, in 
doses gr. v. to vii. Said to be absolutely harmless. 

Mikulicz's Disease. — A chronic enlargement of the 

lacrymal and salivary glands. Thus far it has not met 

with universal acceptance as a separate disease. 
8 



114 HANDY BOOK OF 

Millard's Fluid. — Used for the detection of albumin in 
the urine : 

I£ Glacial carbolic acid (95 per cent) 3 ij. 

Pure acetic acid 3 vij. 

Liquor potassse 3 xviij 

Mirror Speech.- — A name given by Marcotte to a symp- 
tom observed in a girl twelve years of age, suffering from 
cerebral abscess, and consisting of an inversion of speech 
similar to that of mirror writing, so that sentences were 
uttered backward, e.g., "Quille-tran-ser-lais-me-vous-lez- 
vous-te-tan-ma, " when she wished to say : " Ma tante, vou- 
lez-vous me laisser tranquille." 

Mirror Writing. — An inversion in writing so that let- 
ters and sentences must be reflected in a mirror to be read. 

Mixed Toxins. — See Coley's Mixture. 

Moebius' Symptom of Graves' Disease. — If the pa- 
tient is told to keep his eyes fixed on your approaching 
finger, to converge them in other words, one or both eyes 
will wander toward the outer canthus. This is dne to an 
insufficiency of convergence. This sign is by no means 
constant. 

Mogigraphia. — A technical term for writer's cramp. 

Mollin. — A superfatted soap said to contain about seven- 
teen-per-cent excess of fatty matter. Used as a base for 
ointments, especially those of mercury and iodide of po- 
tassium. 

Morrhuol. — An alcoholic extract of oleum morrhuse, one 
part of which is said to represent thirty of the oil. Dose, 
Til iii. to xv. in capsules. 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 115 

Morrhuol Creosote. — Small spherical capsules intro- 
duced by Chapoteaux, each containing three minims of 
morrhuol, the active principle of oleum morrhuae, and one 
minim of creosote. Dose, four to ten capsules daily. 

Morvan's Disease. — A necrotic disease of the fingers, 
existing only in Brittany and named after the physician 
who first described it. It is a chronic disease with cuta- 
neous anaesthesia and painless whitlows. By some it is 
regarded as a form of syringomyelia; others consider it 
an infectious neuritis. 

Motet's Operation for ptosis consists in cutting a strip 
in the superior rectus and pulling it through a buttonhole 
in the tarsal cartilage in order to suture it to the upper lid. 

Murphy Button. — An appliance devised by Dr. Mur- 
phy, of Chicago, for visceral anastomosis without suture. 
It consists of two similar parts of mushroom shape with a 
canal running through the centre. The stem of one fits 
tightly in that of its fellow, bringing the bases into contact. 
Especially useful when necessity for haste is an important 
element in the case. When union has taken place the but- 
ton is passed with the faeces. 

Myasthenia Pseudoparalytica Gravis (Jolly).— An 
affection first described by Professor Jolly, of Berlin, and 
consisting of an abnormal muscular weakness in the legs 
and arms after using them for a short time. The eyelids 
and cheeks may also weaken after repeated winking and 
whistling. Chewing, talking, and deglutition are intact, 
thus distinguishing it from bulbar paralysis. The muscles 
show the "myasthenic reaction" of Jolly. This consists 



116 HANDY BOOK OF 

of a tetanic contraction of the muscle upon the application 
of the faradic current, which, however, becomes weaker 
upon the repetition of the irritation and finally disappears 
altogether. 

Mydrin. — A mydriatic containing ephedine and homa- 
tropine. Used in ten-per-cent solution. 

Myelopathic Albumosuria. — A term applied by Drs. 
Bradshaw and Warrington, of Liverpool, to a condition 
in which the persistent occurrence of albumose in the urine 
is associated with softening of the bones due to multiple 
myelomata. 

Myophone. — An instrument devised by a French scien- 
tist to show that the nerves may remain alive many hours 
after death. 

Myotonia Congenita, or Thomsen's Disease. — An 

.hereditary affection, consisting of intention spasms, that 
is to say, tetanic contractions of the muscles upon volun- 
tary movement. The muscles of the arms and legs are 
usually involved, rarely those of the face, eyes, and larynx. 
The muscles show the myotonic reaction of Erb, " the chief 
feature of which is that normally the contractions caused 
by either current attain their maximum slowly and relax 
slowly, and vermicular, wave-like contractions pass from 
the cathode to the anode." — Oslek. It is a family disease 
and lasts through life. 

Myotonic Reaction of Erb is made up of normal 
mechanical, faradic, and galvanic excitability of the motor 
nerves, and an increased mechanical faradic and galvanic 
excitability of the muscles. Here with the galvanic current 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 117 

only closure contractions are obtainable, and these are as 
strong with the anode as with the cathode ; the contractions 
are always slow, tonic, and prolonged. — Dr. George W. 
Jacoby. 

Myrtill Pills (Jasper). — A pill devised by Dr. Weil, of 
Berlin, as a remedy for diabetes and used with some re- 
ported success. Each pill contains 0.12 cgm. ex. fol. myr- 
tilli. From one to four pills three times daily is the ordi- 
nary dose. 

Myrtol. — The essential oil of myrtle. 

Naftalan. — Not to be confounded with naphthalin. A 
blackish-green mass, soluble in oils, ether, chloroform; 
insoluble in water. Parasiticide, analgesic, antiphlogistic. 
Useful in skin affections to replace tarry substances ; in 
burns, erysipelas, rheumatism, and epididymitis. 

Nail Sign in Malaria. — A slate-like discoloration of 
the nails which may be of value in the diagnosis of obscure 
febrile affections. 

Nasal Antiseptics. — Dobell's solutions, Seller's anti- 
septic tablets, Thiersch's solution, boric acid, glycothymo- 
lin, borolyptol, bororTuorin, listerine, ichthyol, plasma 
nasal tablets, Douglass' tablets, boroformalin, alphasol. 

Nasal Vertigo. — A dizziness similar to gastric and 
auricular vertigo, coming on after habitual nasal obstruc- 
tion, traumatism, foreign body in the nasal fossse, or sub- 
acute coryza. 

Negro Lethargy. — This is a sleeping-sickness endemic 
on the western coast of Africa. A bacillus has been found 



118 HATsDY BOOK OF 

and cultivated by Cagigal and Lepierre, of Coimbra. See 
" Sleeping-Sickness. " 

Neurexaresis. — A term applied to the extraction of a 
nerve by torsion. 

Neurosin. — A term used for the glycerophosphates. 

Nirvanin. — A new anaesthetic discovered by Professor 
Einhorn and used for infiltration anaesthesia; said to be 
non-toxic and a convenient substitute for cocaine. It may 
be sterilized without injuring the anaesthetic properties. 
Extensively investigated by Luzenberger (MiXnchener med. 
Wocli. , January 3 and 10, 1899) . It is said to be ten times 
less toxic than cocaine while possessing greater anaesthetic 
qualities. Employed in five-per-cent solution for hypo- 
dermatic injection. 

Nitroglycerin.— Advocated by Flick in the treatment of 
haemoptysis. It has also been combined with cocaine to 
counteract the tendency to collapse. 

Nitrogen Gas forced into the pleural cavity by hy- 
draulic power is a suggestion of J. B. Murphy, of Chicago, 
for the treatment of consumption. A tank of gas com- 
pressed to one hundred pounds pressure to the square inch 
is connected with a graduated gas bottle, and the amount 
introduced is regulated. 

Nosophen. — A product of iodine on solutions of phenol- 
phthalein, containing sixty-one per cent of iodine. A gray- 
ish-yellow powder, odorless, tasteless, insoluble in water 
but more soluble in ether and chloroform. Eecommended 
for insufflation in acute coryza, chronic rhinitis with hyper- 
secretion, balanitis, moist chancre, eczema, etc. 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 119 

Nucleohiston. — A proteid found by Jolles in the urine 
of patients suffering from pyelitis, cystitis, pyelonephritis, 
etc. This substance contains phosphorus which may be 
freed by treatment with hydrochloric acid. 

Nutrose. — A proprietary nutrient preparation from the 
casein of milk, to which sodium is added. It is a color- 
less, tasteless powder, readily soluble in water. It is in- 
dicated in convalescence from protracted diseases. 

Nymphnbulation. — Some years ago Dr. Collier, of New 
York (Medicine, vol. iv., p. 480), reported to the New York 
Academy of Medicine the case of an Austro-German woman 
in whose labia a husband had bored holes. Through these 
a padlock was locked during the absence of the husband. 
This custom was once quite the mode in France and Ger- 
many, and was the subject of a satiric poem by Voltaire. 
It evidently survives in Russia. Hinrichsen ( Vratch, April 
15, 1898) reports the case of a Russian woman in whose 
labia majora her husband had pierced holes and closed 
these by a gold locket, the key of which he kept always in 
his possession. In the Hotel Cluny Museum in Paris is 
to be seen a similar lock said to have been employed by 
an historical character while away at the wars. 

Oblique Heredity.— The same as Indirect Atavism. — 
Sedgwick. 

Oenilism. — A form of alcohol intoxication with diges- 
tive and nervous disturbances. 

Oliguria. — Diminished excretion of urine. Observed 
in fever, emphysema, myocarditis, endocarditis, and peri- 



120 HANDY BOOK OF 

carditis, acute nephritis, hypertrophied prostate, atony of 
the bladder, etc. 

Oniomania. — A mania for making purchases. 
Onychophagia.— The habit of nail-biting. 

Oophorectomy. — Eecently advocated for treatment of 
inoperable carcinomata of the breast and uterus. Cheyne 
reports two cases with satisfactory results. 

Oophorin. — Used by Landau, of Berlin, in the treat- 
ment of climacteric disturbances in doses of gr. iv. to viii. 
Amenorrhcea, dysmenorrhea, and chlorosis of ovarian ori- 
gin have responded to its use. Jayle (Rev, de Gyneecol., 
August, 1898) reports favorable results with ovarian ex- 
tract. Senator, Eossier, Fosbery have also reported favor- 
ably. 

Opalisin. — A fourth proteid found in milk by Wroblew- 
ski. It is said to exist in large quantities in human milk. 
It is obtained by the addition of sodium chloride to the 
fluid remaining after the precipitation of the casein in 
human milk by hydrochloric acid. 

Ophthalmoplegia. — A disease due to atrophy of the 
nuclei of the nerves which move the eyeball. May be (a) 
externa or (b) interna. In the former there exists ptosis, 
strabismus, nystagmus, or diplopia ; in the latter there is 
loss of pupil reflex to light (locomotor ataxia and genera] 
paresis) . 

Opotherapy.— Same as Organotherapy. 

Orexin. — A white powder, soluble in hot water, of a 
bitter and burning after- taste. In doses of from gr. ii. to 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 121 

iv. it is useful in anorexia, improving the appetitd and 
general condition. It also acts as an anti-emetic in the 
vomiting of pregnancy. The existence of any gastric dis- 
ease proper is a contraindication to its use. Attacks of 
syncope and tinnitus aurium have been observed after the 
administration of this drug. 

Orexin Tannate. — Stomachic, appetizer, and anti- 
emetic. A yellowish-white powder, odorless and practi- 
cally tasteless, insoluble in water, but easily soluble in 
acids, especially hydrochloric. The dose for a child is gr. 
v. twice a day. 

Organotherapy. — The same as the treatment by animal 
extracts. 

Orthoform. — A fine white powder, barely soluble in 
water, and not hygroscopic. Mostly used in surgery on 
account of its anaesthetic and antiseptic properties. Its 
analgesic properties are shown by the fact that the nerve 
filaments with which it comes in contact are rendered in- 
sensible. It is of special value in wounds, burns, ulcers 
(syphilitic, tuberculous, carcinomatous, and particularly 
those following vaccination). By its use the discharge 
from wounds is diminished. It may be used in the form of 
powder, gauze, or ointment. In solution it has been used 
as a bladder wash for tuberculous cystitis. For internal use 
it has been tried in ulcer of the stomach in doses of 0.25 to 
0.5. The results thus far have been very satisfactory, the 
diminution of pain being its most marked effect. Applied 
after the extraction of teeth it acts as a good local anes- 
thetic. The greatest objection to the use of this drug is 
its expense. 



122 HANDY BOOK OF 

Ossalin. — A neutral grayish fat with tallow odor, made 
from fresh bone marrow. Like lanolin it is hygroscopic. 
An ointment base. 

Osteo-Arthropathie Pneumonique.— The term em- 
ployed by Marie to denote hypertrophy of the end pha- 
langes as seen in cases of chronic pulmonary and heart 
lesions. 

Otomyasthenia. — A weakness of hearing due to as- 
thenia of the ear muscles, tensor tympani and stapedius. 

Otomycosis. — The growth and development of the as- 
pergillus in the auditory meatus. 

Ouabain. — White crystals, soluble in hot water, used in 
asthma and whooping-cough for its action on the respira- 
tory centres. Dose, gr. TtT W 

Ovarin. — Extract of ovaries of the cow. Dose, gr. iii. 

Oxyphenylsulphonic-Acid Test for Albumin. — 

3$ Acidi oxyphenylsulphonici 3 parts. 

Acidi salicylsulphonici 1 part. 

Aquse 20 parts. 

One drop of this solution added to 1 c.c. of urine gives, ac- 
cording to Bourceau (La Medecine Moderne), a white trans- 
parent precipitate of albumin. Peptone, propeptone, alka- 
loids, urates, and phosphates are not precipitated. 

Pagenstecher's Ointment. — The yellow oxide-of-mer- 
cury ointment, which is used so extensively in ophthal- 
mology, especially for blepharitis ciliaris. 

I£ Hydrargyri oxidi flavi gr. i.-gr. iv. 

Vaselini f ss. 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 123 

Pacini's Solution. — Used with the Thoma-Zeiss appa- 
ratus for the counting of red blood cells. 

Bichloride 1 

Sodium chloride 2 

Glycerin... 100 

Distilled water 300 

Or— 

Bichloride 1 

Sodium chloride 2 

Distilled water 200 

Panas' Operation for Strabismus.— After opening the 
conjunctiva b} r a horizontal incision, the tissues are thor- 
oughly divided about the sheath of the muscle, in the usual 
manner. The muscle is then taken up on the hook and 
pulled well outward, so that the inner margin of the cornea 
is on a line with the external canthus. The tendon is 
then thoroughly divided, the wound closed by a suture, 
the operation repeated on the other eye, and both eyes 
are bandaged for twenty-four or forty-eight hours. 

Pancreatin. — A mixture of the ferments naturally con- 
tained in the pancreas of warm-blooded animals. It has 
been used as a substitute for pepsin in dyspepsias of all 
kinds. It is given in powder form as such, or in combi- 
nation with pepsin, bicarbonate of sodium, bismuth, orex- 
in, etc. The dose is gr. v. to x. 

Panopepton. — A brown liquid sold as a predigested 
food. Prepared from lean beef and whole wheat cooked, 
peptonized, dried, and preserved in sherry. Dose, one 
teaspoonful to a tablespoonful. 

Panophthalmitis. — A gsneral inflammation of the en- 
tire eyeball. 



124 HANDY BOOK OF 

Papain or Papayotin. — A peculiar ferment obtained 
from the juice of papaw, the fruit of au herbaceous tree 
(Carica papaya) cultivated in tropical countries. As it is 
sold, it appears as a grayish, fine powder, with an odor 
and taste suggestive of pepsin. It has the power of dis- 
solving fibrin and muscular fibres, and its advantage over 
pepsin is said to lie in the fact that it acts in acid, al- 
kaline, and neutral media. The latter fact, however, is 
disputed by Brunton and Martin. It has been used in 
dyspepsia and gastric catarrh, in doses of gr. v. to x. Ex- 
ternally it has been used in chronic eczema and warts. 

Papine. — A brown liquid sold on prescription as an 
anodyne, and said to contain a purified opium. 

Papainproteolysis. — Papain, which is a proteolytic en- 
zyme of the papaw plant, has been found by Chittenden 
capable of converting large quantities of the various pro- 
teids into true peptones. 

Parablast. — A dermatological dressing brought forward 
by Unna. A thick-webbed tissue spread with lanolin, 
damar, caoutchouc, and resin, to which any remedial agent 
can be added. 

Paraacetphenetidin. — Phenacetin or phenetidin. 

Paraform. — Obtained by heating an aqueous solution 
of formaldehyde. It consists of a white, crystalline body, 
insoluble in water and used as an intestinal antiseptic. 
Dose, gr. ii. to viii. daily. 

Paraform Pastilles. — Tablets used for generating for- 
mic aldehyde gas. 

Paraldehyde. — A hypnotic produced by the action of 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 125 

sulphurous gas or hydrochloric acid on aldehyde. It is a 
colorless liquid, with an ethereal smell and a very disa- 
greeable taste, soluble in water. It is said to be superior 
to opium and chloral as an hypnotic, but inferior as an 
analgesic. Its disadvantages are the unpleasant taste and 
odor, and its tendency to upset the stomach. Dose, tti xx. 
to 3 i., preferably in capsules. May be given per rectum. 
It is relatively non-poisonous, large doses causing death 
by respiratory paralysis. Peabody recommends it in 
thirty-drop doses for bronchial asthma. Belief is said to 
be prompt in three doses, relieving the dyspnoea and per- 
mitting the patients to sleep. 

Parataloid. — Another name for tuberculin. 

Parotid-Gland Therapy. — E. Bell (KliniscJie thera- 
peut. Wochenschrift, May 29, 1898) has given the dried par- 
otid gland of sheep for ovarian disease, and has reported 
sixty instances of enlarged and painful ovaries in which 
this medication effected a cure. The dose is gr. v. three 
or four times a day. 

Pavor Nocturnus. — Synonymous with the night ter- 
rors of children, and due to adenoids, enlarged tonsils, 
rhinitis, dyspepsia, and anaemia. 

Pavy's Disease. — A name applied to periodic, parox- 
ysmal, or cyclic albuminuria. This condition occurs for 
the most part in nervous and irritable young persons, and 
consists in the appearance of albumin in the urine at some 
time of the day and its absence at other times. It may 
appear in the morning and be absent in the afternoon. 
Worry, mental strain, and physical exertion appear to 
cause its appearance in the urine. In a number of cases 



126 HANDY BOOK OF 

it is a functional disturbance, and tends to get well; in 
others it paves the way for grave organic kidney changes. 
This intermittent appearance of albumin is occasionally 
observed in chronic nephritis. 

Pellotin. — A hypnotic recently introduced by Jolly, of 
Berlin. Used in locomotor ataxia. Dose, gr. J. Gr. -J- 
subcutaneously has produced dangerous collapse. 

Pentose (Salkowski). — This term is applied to a group 
of carbohydrate substances — arabmose, rhamnose, xylose 
— which occur in normal and pathological urine, and 
which are of interest because they react with Trommer's, 
bismuth, and phenylhydrazin tests, and therefore may be 
mistaken for glucose. These substances, however, do not 
ferment with the yeast test and do not polarize to the 
right. 

Peptenzyme. — Said to be prepared from the various 
digestive animal glands and the ferment extract of the 
spleen and liver, slightly benzoated and mixed with sugar 
of milk. It is claimed to contain the enzymes of these 
organs in the same state in which they exist in nature, and 
to act as a digester of all forms of food. It may be given 
in powder or tablet form before or after meals* 

Peptothyroid. — A peptonized preparation of thyroid 
extract used by Maurange for conditions in which thyroid 
is indicated. It is claimed that the by-derangement is less 
with this medication. 

Peptovarin. — Peptonized ovarian extract. Advocated 
and used by Maurange. 

Perco. — Another term for perucognac. 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 127 

Peritoneopexy. — Fixation of the uterus by the vaginal 
route, in the treatment of retroflexions of this organ, by a 
procedure recommended by Gottschalk. A transverse in- 
cision is made in the anterior vaginal wall at the insertion 
of the neck of the uterus, just as in vaginal hysterectomy; 
the peritoneal cavity is opened by a free incision of the 
vesico-uterine cul-de-sac in a transverse direction. For 
the steps of the operation, see Centralblatt fur Gyndk., No. 
4, 1899; or La Presse Medicate, February 15, 1899. 

Peritonism. — A neologism introduced by Gubler, orig- 
inally applied to forms of pseudo-peritonitis in which the 
symptoms were present without the essential elements of 
the disease. It is observed chiefly in neuropaths, and in 
most cases this simulation of peritonitis is associated with 
hysteria, while some slight lesion of the appendix, a tube, 
or of an ovary, or a floating kidney may be present. 

Perleche. — This is an infectious and contagious disease 
affecting infants and children — for the most part in insti- 
tutions — and consisting in the formation of painful fis- 
sures at the commissures of the lips. It must be differen- 
tiated from syphilis by the absence of all other symptoms. 
The treatment consists of careful attention to all the mate- 
rial connected with nursing (bottles, nipples, etc.), and 
the application of nitrate of silver, alum, permanganate 
of potassium, or five-per-cent solution of methylene blue. 

Peronin (hydrochlorate of benzoyl-morphine). — A fine, 
whitish, odorless powder, with a bitter taste, very soluble 
in water. Used by Eberson for bronchitis, pulmonary 
tuberculosis, and whooping-cough. A narcotic which 
takes its place between codeine and morphine, producing 



128 HANDY BOOK OF 

more profound and calmer sleep than the latter, without 
being preceded by phenomena of excitation. Dose, gr. 
-2 3 ¥ to T 5 g-, t.i.d., for adults; and to children, gr. T ^f-Q f or 
each year of their age. 

Pertussin. — As its name implies, this is a remedy for 
whooping-cough. It is prepared by mixing the fluid ex- 
tract of thyme with syrup, so as to procure an infusion in 
the strength of 1:7. Prof. Ernst Fischer {Deutsche med. 
Wochen., November 28, 1898) used this drug after having 
failed with tussol. He reported that the drug was pleas- 
ant to take, and that in a short space of time the disease 
was changed into almost an ordinary bronchitis. The at- 
tacks seemed to become less frequent and milder, the 
phlegm looser, and the cyanosis practically disappeared. 
This drug also proved of service in acute and chronic 
bronchitis, emphysema, and in the bronchitis following 
ansesthesia. 

Pertussis, Bacillus of. — Koplik, Czaplewski, and Hen- 
sel, each working independently, isolated and described 
almost simultaneously a bacterium not found in other 
sputum. It is characterized by a minuteness similar to 
that of the bacillus of influenza. 

" If stained with Loeffler blue it appears as an exceed- 
ingly minute, delicate, thin, short bacillus form, much 
thinner than the diphtheria bacillus, and not more than 
one-third to one-half its length. It measures 0.8 to 1.7 /j. 
in length, and 0.3 to 0.4 /j. in breadth. In pure culture it 
is not decolorized by Gram stain." 

Perucognac (Perukognak). — A preparation containing 
balsam of Peru, advocated by Schmey and others in the 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 129 

treatment of tuberculosis. It contains the active principle 
of 25 gm. of balsam of Peru with ten per cent, cinnamic 
acid, in 1 litre of cognac. 

Pfeiffer's Bacillus. — Bacillus of influenza. 

Pfeiffer's Disease (Glandular Fever or Driisen-Fieber) . 
— Characterized by a sudden onset and an enlarged, 
smooth swelling on one side of the neck, due to enlarged 
lymph nodes. Twenty-four to forty-eight hours afterward 
the opposite side becomes similarly involved. The swell- 
ings increase for from four to seven days, remain station- 
ary for a brief period, and subside in from two to three 
weeks. 

Phacotherapy. — Another term for heliotherapy. 

Phagotherapy. — A treatment by superalimentation, 
especially in phthisis. 

Phakoscopy.— A procedure of personal inspection of 
the media of one's eye. It is accomplished by looking 
through strong myopic glasses (40 diopters) at a candle 
flame placed at the back of a dark cabinet. The parallel 
rays throw upon the retina a shadow carried from the lens, 
which is thus seen by transparence. The slightest opac- 
ity is thus made apparent to the retina in the form of a 
dark spot, a streak, or a star. 

Phenalgin. — Said to be an ammonio-phenylacetamid. 
Of occasional use as an antipyretic and analgesic in dose 
of gr. iii. to x. 

R Phenalgin gr. iij. 

Quininse sulph gr. ij. 

M. S. One powder every three hours. 

— HOFHEIMER. 

9 



130 HANDY BOOK OF # 

Phenatol. — A compound of acetanilid, sodium bicarbo- 
nate, carbonate, sulphate, chloride, and caffeine. 

Phenazonum. — Phenazone is the official name in the 
British Pharmacopoeia for antipyrin. The drug is still 
unofficial in the United States Pharmacopoeia. It is more 
or less decomposed or thrown down in solutions with a 
variety of chemicals, hence should be given alone or be 
cautiously combined. 

Phenedin. — Same as Phenacetin. 

Phenocoll Hydrochlorate.— Antipyretic, nervine, and 
antirheumatic. Dose is gr. viii. to xv., in powder form. 
Has been recommended for whooping-cough. 

Phenol-Phthalein. — A solution used for testing the 
total acidity in a given specimen of gastric juice. 

Phenopyrin. — An oily liquid containing equal parts of 
phenol and antipyrin. 

Phenosol. — A product of salicylacetic acid and phene- 
tidin, containing fifty-seven per cent of phenacetin and 
forty -three per cent of salicylic acid. Used in acute ar- 
ticular rheumatism in doses of gr. viiss., two to six times 
daily. 

Phenylacetamid. — See Acetanilid. 

Phonendoscopy. — A method of stethoscopic examina- 
tion by the means of an instrument devised by Bianchi, 
called the phonendoscope. The heart sounds may be 
heard through the clothing, but to appreciate distinctly 
the sounds of circulating blood in the vessels and muscular 
fremitus, the disc is applied directly to the skin. The 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 131 

various organs can be mapped out by the shades of tone 
communicated to the ear. 

Phototherapy. — Light as applied to the cure of variola 
by the application of hangings to exclude all but the red 
rays (Finsen); of rubeola (Chatiniere). All light is here 
excluded from the room, excepting that supplied by a 
photographic lantern. Good results are reported (Presse 
MM., September 10, 1898). 

Phthinoid Bronchitis. — A form of chronic bronchitis 
which bears a close resemblance, as far as its symptoms 
are concerned, to pulmonary consumption. 

Phytolin. — A liquid containing the active principle of 
Phytolacca decandra. Used in obesitj-, etc. Dose, tt[ x. 

Pichi. — A shrub found in Chili, South America, con- 
taining an active principle which has proven of worth in 
chronic cystitis, enlarged prostate, diseases of the liver, 
gall stones, and uric-acid diathesis. 

Picric Acid. — A yellow fluid, lately used with excellent 
results, in the form of a one-per-cent solution, for che 
treatment of burns of the first and second degree, acute 
eczema, dermatitis venenata, and chilblains. For this pur- 
pose Esbach's reagent may be used. Its most marked 
effect is the almost immediate relief of pain. Its disad- 
vantage is the staining of everything with which it comes 
in contact. Stains may be removed from the clothing by 
boiling, and from the hands by a subsequent washing in 
alcohol or in a saturated solution of carbonate of lithia. 
The authors have found this fluid very efficacious in re- 
lieving the burning sensation following the local applica- 



132 HANDY BOOK OF 

tion of carbolic and trichloracetic acids, nitrate of silver, 
and formalin. 

Picrol. — A fifty-two-per-cent iodine antiseptic. 

Pilonidal Sinus. — This term was applied by Dr. K. M. 
Hodges, of Boston, to a suppurating sinus, not usually 
mentioned in text-books, containing hair, and situated in 
the coccygeal region. An abscess may form when the 
sinus becomes closed. To effect a cure, the small tuft or 
ball of hair at the bottom of the sinus must be extracted. 
Since it is not congenital and said never to occur until pu- 
berty, the term dermoid cyst is inappropriate. 

Piperazin (also known as piperazidin). — This drug 
consists of colorless crystals, which have a faint odor, 
pungent taste, and which are hygroscopic. It is freely 
soluble in water. When brought in contact with uric acid, 
it forms a soluble uric-acid salt — the urate of piperazin ; 
on this account it has been recommended in place of the 
lithium salts for uric-acid diathesis, renal and vesical con- 
cretions, and e\ev for renal calculi. It is said to be one 
of the best uric-acid solvents known. The dose is from 
gr. ii. to viii., three or four times daily. It has been given 
subcutaneously in five-grain doses. This drug is also sold 
in the form of a piperazin water, thus combining two great 
factors in the treatment of uric-acid conditions. 

Piperine. — Crystalline prisms, having a formula iso- 
meric with that of morphine. A febrifuge in doses of gr. ii. 
to v. 

Pixol. — A syrupy liquid, prepared by adding to one 
part of green soap and three of tar a solution of caustic 
alkali. A cheap general disinfectant. 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 133 

Plasma Nasal Tablets. — A proprietary tablet com- 
posed of 

R Sodium chloride ". gr. 5£ 

Sodium sulphate gr. l£ 

Sodium phosphate gr. £ 

Potassium chloride gr. § 

Potassium sulphate gr. £ 

Potassium phosphate gr. ^ 

Each tablet to be placed in two ounces of water. 

Plaster Muslins (Pflaster-Mull). — Dermatological 
dressings having gutta-percha and oleate of alum as a 
basis, and containing the desired remedy. 

Pneumaturia. — A term applied to urine which bubbles 
and contains a considerable quantity of gas when passed. 
Frisch (Wien. Uin. Wochen., No. 39, 1898) has published 
a case of thrush of the bladder in which this symptom w T as 
prominent. 

Pneumochemic Treatment. — Inhalations of medi- 
cated vapors, useful in pulmonary affections, especially 
bronchorrhcea and irritable coughs of phthisis. 

Pneumococcia. — A generalized infection by the pneu- 
mococcus, usually secondary to pneumonia. 

Poikilocytosis. — A condition in which the blood cor- 
puscles are of various sizes and shapes. Seen in severe 
cases of chlorosis, and in pernicious anaemia, leukaemia, 
etc. 

Polyform. — A preparation sold under the name of Edi- 
son's poly form composition. Said to contain (A. P. A.) : 



134 HANDY BOOK OF 

1^ Chloroform § ij. 

Ether § i. 

Alcohol § iss. 

Chloral hydrate § ij. 

Camphor . . § i. 

Morphine sulphate gr. vi. 

Oil of peppermint 3 i. 

Polyphagia. — An excessive appetite (see Bulimia). 

Polyuria. — Marked increase in the excretion of urine. 
Observed in diabetes mellitus and insipidus, chronic in- 
terstitial nephritis, amyloid degeneration of the kidney, 
neurasthenia, after the absorption of exudates (pleurisy y 
ascites, etc.), and after infectious diseases. 

Polyvalent Serums. — Serums derived from animals 
infected by a number of different streptococci, which are 
hoped to find a field of usefulness in instances of acciden- 
tal infection by some unknown streptococcus. It is ques- 
tionable whether an efficacious serum of this kind will ever 
be produced, corresponding to the monovalent serums 
now in use. 

Porencephalus. — An atrophy or absence of brain sub- 
stance, with a resulting cavity which may extend into the 
ventricle. 

Potamophobia. — A morbid fear of rivers and water in 
general. 

Potassium Permanganate. — Becently advocated in 
morphine poisoning, if given early; practically useless 
when the alkaloid has been absorbed. Much thought of 
in solution for urethral irrigation in gonorrhoea, in 
strengths of from 1:5,000 to 1:1,000. Two- to five-per- 
cent solutions have been recommended by Dombrowsky 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 135 

(Semaine Medicate, October 15, 1898) for fissured nipples. 
Kecommended internally by Ringer for atonic amenor- 
rhea. Useful in poisoning by phosphorus, hydrocyanic 
acid, muscarine, colchicine, and rattlesnakes. In the lat- 
ter instance the part may be bathed in a solution or the 
fluid be injected in a circle around the point of infection. 

Prochoresis. — The motor function of the stomach. 

Proctoscope. — Kelly's instrument for examining high 
up in the rectum is considered by many a superior instru- 
ment to the ordinary rectal speculum. A strong reflected 
light is required. 

Proptosis. — The prominence of the eyeballs, as seen in 
Basedow's disease. 

Prostatic Extract.— This has been used by Oraison 
(Gazzetta degli ospedali e delle cliniche, May 19, 1898) for 
prostatic enlargement. Of the seven patients treated he 
claims five cures, one amelioration, and one failure. The 
dose is 3 to 12 grams of the powdered gland in pill form, 
or 3 ii. to 3 i. of the glycerin extract. 

Protargol. — One of the many substitutes for silver ni- 
trate which has appeared within recent years. It is a sil- 
ver proteid compound, and consists of a yellowish powder, 
easily soluble in water, and not precipitated by albumi- 
noid substances, acids, or alkalies, nor reduced by the 
action of light. It has been used quite extensively in 
gonorrhoea of both the male and female, in strengths of 
from one to two per cent. It is said to be less irritating 
than the nitrate of silver, to have a greater power of pene- 
tration, and to "dry up " the discharge more quickly. It 



136 HANDY BOOK OF 

has been used extensively in eye practice for purulent 
affection, dacryocystitis, trachoma, etc., in strengths of 
from ten to twenty per cent. It certainly appears to be 
less irritating and smarting to the conjunctival mucous 
membrane than silver nitrate, and is not so liable to cause 
deposits on the cornea. 

Protonuclein. — The primal nuclein of individual tis- 
sue cells. Obtained by mechanical separation from the 
glands and tissues containing it. For medicinal use it is 
preserved by drying and molecular investment with ben- 
zoin. It is claimed for it that it increases the production 
of white blood cells, and hence enhances the reparative 
forces of the economy. In chronic conditions, gr. vi. to 
xii. in powder or tablet, before each meal and at bedtime. 
It should be masticated and dissolved in the mouth before 
being swallowed. Indicated in neurasthenia, ansemia, 
malarias, and general wasting diseases. Used externally 
in powder form for ulcers, fistulae, fissures, etc. 

Pruritus (Bath). — The term bath-pruritus has been ap- 
plied by Stelwagon (Philadelphia Medical Journal, October 
22, 1898) to a form of burning or itching experienced by 
some persons immediately after a bath. The sensation 
varies from a slight pricking to an intense and almost 
intolerable itching, which is usually aggravated by 
attempts to scratch or rub the skin violently. It is 
usually situated in the lower extremities, sometimes in 
the upper, and is occasionally general. The attack lasts 
from a few minutes to half an hour or more, being of 
longer duration when the patient goes directly from the 
bath to his bed. 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 137 

Pseudo-Cyesis. — Spurious pregnancy. Observed in 
hysterical women who have passed the menopause. 

Pseudo - Erysipelas. — An erysipelas-like affection, 
starting from the site of vaccination, of self-limited extent 
and duration, not going beyond the elbow and shoulder- 
joints (Allen). 

An erysipelatous condition of the face, of limited dura- 
tion, without marked constitutional symptoms (Bulkley). 

Pseudo-Tetanus Bacillus. — Tavel reports a bacillus 
resembling that of actinomycosis, and at times the tetanus 
bacillus. Like the tetanus bacillus, it carries its spores at 
the end, but they are more egg-shaped ; it has twelve fla- 
gellse, while in that of tetanus they are more numerous. 
It does not grow on gelatin. It is found in perityphlitis 
and appendicitis, and is thought to lend its odor to the 
pus of perityphlitic abscesses. 

Psittacism. — Relating to the affection psittacosis. 

Psittacosis. — In 1897 Dupuy described an epidemic 
disease which occurred in bird dealers, especially those 
having charge of parrots. The disease sets in with pro- 
dromal symptoms of loss of appetite, depression of spir- 
its, malaise, and muscular weakness; this is followed by 
diarrhoea, bad-smelling stools, fever, and convulsions. At 
the height of the disease the patient looks like a typhoid 
case. In severe instances pneumonia complicates the con- 
dition. The disease is infectious and contagious, being 
carried from animal to man and from one person to the 
other. The specific bacterium, which has been found in 
the blood by Nocard, resembles biologically the typhoid 



138 HANDY BOOK OF 

bacillus and the bacillus coli communis. The prognosis 
is bad, death taking place in from eight to twenty days. 

Psychopathia Chirurgicalis.— A term used by Pry or 
to describe a mania for being operated upon, possessed by 
certain patients, especially women. 

Ptomatinuria. — The presence of ptomaines in the 
urine, seen in a great variety of febrile and gastrointes- 
tinal disturbances. 

Pulmonin. — A fresh extract of calves' lungs, given 
usually with guaiacol carbonate in tablet form. 

Pulsus Paradoxus (Paradoxical Pulse). — Entire ab- 
sence or weakness of the radial pulse during inspiration. 
Observed most frequently in concretio pericardii cum cor- 
de, or adherent pericardium. Occasionally seen in medi- 
astinals, mediastinal tumor, and stenosis of the bronchi. 

Pyloric Stenosis (congenital). — A number of these 
cases have recently been reported by Rolleston, Finkel- 
stein, Schwyzer, Melzer, Ashby, and others. The condi- 
tion is present from birth, and usually proves fatal within 
a few weeks. The affection is rare, only seventeen cases 
having been thus far reported. 

Pyoktanin. — The commonly used German term for py- 
octanin or methyl violet. According to Liebreich, a 
mixture of several methyl violets. Yellow pyoktanin is 
used in ophthalmic surgery. 

Pyramidon. — A new form of antipyrin. Has been rec- 
ommended as an antipyretic, analgesic, and antirheu- 
matic, and found of service in tuberculosis, rheumatism, 
migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, sciatica, alcoholism, neu- 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 139 

ritis, lumbago, etc. In the headache of psychoses, Lau- 
denheimer (Therapeut. Moiiatshefte, 1898, Heft 4) has found 
it very efficacious. Dose, 10 to 15 gm. three times a day. 

Pyrantin. — A new antipyretic obtained by the action of 
anhydrous succinic acid on phenetidin. It is soluble in 
alcohol, and combines with sodium hydrate (soluble py- 
rantin). Clinical observations are as yet wanting. 

Pyretometer. — A term recently introduced by the Ean- 
dall-Faichney Company, of Boston, to take the place of 
clinical thermometer, fever thermometer, etc. 

Pyridin. — A colorless, volatile liquid, having a pene- 
trating odor, made from Dippel's oil, and employed for 
inhalation in asthma, emphysema, and to overcome sensa- 
tions of oppression in the chest. A drachm may be al- 
lowed to evaporate in a saucer near the patient, or fifteen 
drops or more may be inhaled from a handkerchief three 
times a day. This has been used in gonorrhoea as an in- 
jection : 

I£ Pyridin gtt. viij. 

Aquae 3 iv. 

Pyrosal. — Used in acute rheumatic affections. A syn- 
thetic compound of salicylacetic acid and antipyrin, con- 
taining about fifty per cent of antipyrin and thirty-seven 
per cent of salicylic acid. It is with difficulty soluble in 
water, ether, and alcohol, but decomposed readily by 
acids and bases into its constituents. The dose is gr. vi. 
to viii., two to six times a clay. 

Pyrozone. — A proprietary preparation, being a fifty- 
per-cent solution of peroxide of hydrogen in sulphuric 



140 HANDY BOOK OF 

ether. Put up in small glass tubes, which must be 
opened with care to prevent explosion. A valuable caus- 
tic in the removal of warts, pigmentations, etc., and has 
been used successfully b} r one of the authors in the treat- 
ment of lupus erythematosus. 

Quanjer's Method for the expulsion of taenia. — At 
7 a.m. 35 to 40 gm. of aq. laxat. viennensis are given. 
Then 5 gm. of filicin, divided into eight or ten parts, are 
administered in soft gelatin capsules. The first two cap- 
sules are given at eight o'clock, and then two more every 
ten minutes until all are taken. A sip of port wine or 
madeira may be taken to prevent nausea. If the bowels 
have not moved by ten or eleven o'clock, another dose of 
the laxative is given. 

Quinaseptol (Merck). — An internal antiseptic, particu- 
larly adapted for the genito-urinary apparatus, not being 
decomposed by the urine. 

Quincke's Spinal Puncture. — This consists of a 
puncture of the spinal cord by means of a needle inserted 
between the second and third or third and fourth lumbar 
vertebrae. The result shows the presence or absence of 
fluid, the character of the same (purulent or serous), its 
pressure, and the existence of tubercle bacilli can be de- 
termined. It is of value in differentiating tuberculous 
meningitis from the cerebro-spinal form, and by relieving 
the intracranial pressure it at times ameliorates the severe 
symptoms. Puncture is to be made, of course, only under 
the strictest antiseptic precautions. 

Rabies. — A blastomycete has been discovered by Mem- 
mo, which he thinks pathogenic and specific, having de- 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 141 

tected it in the blood of four dogs dying of rabies and in 
animals inoculated. 

Radiography. — Same as skiagraphy. A term used 
more commonly in France. 

Rag-Sorter's Disease. — An affection observed among 
workers in paper factories, and presenting symptoms 
which closely resemble internal anthrax. It is presuma- 
bly a bacillary disease, and the bacillus proteus hominis 
capsulatus has been found in the internal organs. 

Railway Brain. — Traumatic hystero-neurasthenia ; very 
similar to railway spine. 

Reader's Cramp.— A condition to which E. W. Wright 
has called attention, and which consists of a spasm or 
cramp of the ocular muscles following prolonged reading. 

Red Bone Marrow. — Extract of the fresh or desic- 
cated marrow of the large bones of oxen and sheep. Gly- 
cerin preparations are also used, among which there is 
one called carnogen. It has been used successfully in 
purpura, leukaemia, pseudo-leukaemia, psychoses, and other 
conditions in which iron would usually be indicated. 

Re sol. — Similar to creolin. 

$ Tar 10 parts. 

Caustic potash 2 " 

Methyl alcohol 2 " 

Resorbin. — An ointment base of almond oil and wax, 
emulsified by water with gelatin and soap added. 

Resorcinol. — A combination of iodoform and resorcin. 

Rest Treatment. — Bed treatment, which has been so- 
efficacious in neurasthenia and various forms of nerve ail- 



142 HANDY BOOK OF 

inent, has been advocated by Serieux in acute melancho- 
lia, as especially efficacious. The symptoms which seem 
particularly to indicate its use are cerebral anaemia, cyan- 
osis, oedema of the extremities, neurasthenic symptoms, 
emaciation, chlorosis, stupor, suicidal tendencies, auto- 
mutilation, insomnia, circulatory and respiratory dis- 
orders, digestive disturbances, and low temperature. 

Retinol. — This is an antiseptic, the product of the dry 
distillation of colophane. It is used as a vaginal applica- 
tion on tampons, and as a vehicle for various antiseptics, 
such as resorcin, ichthyol, aristol, etc. It has been used 
as an injection in gonorrhoea, and also has been given as 
a balsamic in from 3 ss. to iss. per day. 

Retrocalcaneal Bursitis. — Another term for achillo- 
dynia. An inflamed bursa is not the only etiological fac- 
tor, since flat-foot, gonorrhoea, gout, rheumatism, syphi- 
lis, caries of the os calcis, and certain occupations may 
also cause achillodynia. 

Reusner's Sign of Early Pregnancy. — As early as 
the fourth week of pregnancy, a marked increase in vol- 
ume of the pulsation of the uterine arteries may be felt 
per vaginam in the posterior cul-de-sac. 

Rhabdomyoma. — A rather rare form of muscular tu- 
mor (myoma), which contains striped muscular fibre. 

Rhinitis Tablets. — A compressed tablet which is occa- 
sionally very efficacious in acute coryza. It consists of — 

^ Camphor gr. i 

Powd. belladonna gr. ±- 

Quin. sulph gr. £ 

Dose : One tablet every half-hour until four are taken, then one 
every hour until throat feels dry. 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 143 

Rhinomiosis. — A term used by Dr. Jacques Joseph, of 
Berlin, to indicate operative shortening of the nose. 

Rhizomelic Spondylosis.— Ankylosis of the spine and 
of the limbs where they join the trunk (P. Marie, Rev. de 
31ecL, April 10, 1898). The spinal ankylosis is associated 
with bony outgrowths from the vertebrae, and is most 
marked in the lumbar region. The spine is fixed in flex- 
ion, resulting in considerable kyphosis. The hip is more 
markedly affected than the shoulder- joint, and is the only 
one in which true ankylosis exists. There is considerable 
limitation of motion in the shoulder-joint. Walking de- 
pends on movements of the knees and ankles. 

Riga's Disease. — A disease first described by Fede, 
consisting of an hyperplastic condition of the under sur- 
face of the tongue. The disease is rarely seen outside of 
Italy. 

Rinman's Sign of Early Pregnancy. — In two cases, 
slender cords radiating from the nipple were observed; 
these were considered hypertrophic acini of the glands. 
This observation has been confirmed by others. 

Robert's Modification of Heller's Albumin Test. 
— See Magnesium Nitric Test, page 107. 

Romberg's Symptom. — A swaying to-and-fro move- 
ment when the patient stands with feet together and eyes 
closed. Seen very frequently in tabes dorsalis, and occa- 
sionally in the ataxic paraplegia of Gowers. 

Rosen's Method for Naevus. — Thread through the 
growth silk previously soaked in alcohol and perchloride 
of iron, and leave it in for a week. 



144 HANDY BOOK OF 

Roser's Position. — Keeping the head dependent over 
the end of the operating-table. Adopted in Kocher's ope- 
ration, and tracheotomy. 

Rosin's Test for Bile. — To the suspected fluid con- 
tained in an inclined test tube, add a few drops of tincture 
of iodine. In the presence of bile a grass-green ring is 
formed at the point of contact. 

Rotterinum. — An antiseptic and disinfectant mixture, 
which is officially recommended in Southern Germany in 
lieu of bichloride and carbolic acid. It is composed of : 

1^ Acidi citrici, 

Thymoli aa gr. iss. 

Acidi salicylici , gr. x 

Acidi boracici gr. xlv. 

Zinci chloridi, 

Zinci sulphocarbolatis aa gr Ixxv 

M. et ft. pastilli No. iv. S. One pastil to a quart of water 

Salacetol (Acetol-salicy lie-ester) . — An antirheumatic 
and antiseptic. 

Saligenin. — A compound recently obtained by Dr. 
Loderer and administered for gout, in which it is said to 
remove in a very short time the fever, swelling, and pain. 
The disagreeable effects of salicylic acid — digestive dis- 
turbances, cyanosis, tinnitus aurium — are said to be lack- 
ing, and its action is more powerful and of longer duration. 
The drug is very soluble in water, and the daily dose is 3 
gm. (gr. xlv.) in divided doses. 

Salinaphthol. — Another name for Betol. 

Salipyrin. — This is the salicylate of antipyrin, contain- 
ing fifty-eight per cent of antipyrin and forty-two per cent 
of salicylic acid. It is a white crystalline powder, with a 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 145 

faint agreeable odor and sweet taste, practically insoluble 
in water, but soluble in alcohol and ether. In doses of gr. 
xv., four or five times daily, it is very useful in cases in 
which antipyretic and analgesic effects are desired. Its 
best results are seen in influenza, although it is often very 
efficacious in muscular rheumatism and tonsillitis. 

Salitanuol. — A condensation product of salicylic and 
gallic acids. It is a white, amorphous powder, insoluble 
in water and the usual solvents. It has been used as a 
surgical antiseptic powder. 

Salocoll. — Another name for Phenocoll Salicylate. 

Salophen (Acetyl-para-amydosalol). — A white, odor- 
less, tasteless powder, almost insoluble in water, and often 
of service in acute articular rheumatism when salicylate of 
sodium has failed. It has little if any ill effects on the 
stomach, heart, or kidney, and may be given in doses of 
gr. xlv. to xc. a day. It is also of service in habitual 
headache without known cause, in facial neuralgia follow- 
ing influenza, in lumbago, and general muscular pains. 
Kecent observations have shown that this drug is an effi- 
cient antipruritic agent. Drews has reported (TJwrap. 
Monatshefte, March, 1898) cases of prurigo, urticaria, dia- 
betic pruritus, and eczema, in which the distressing itching 
was relieved hv 15-grain doses every two hours. In 
chronic articular rheumatism he does not find it superior 
to other remedies. 

Salosantal. — A combination of salol and sandal oil, 
of value in gonorrhoea and bladder infection. Best dis- 
pensed in soft capsule. 

Salumin. — Another name for Aluminium Salicylate. 
10 



146 HANDY BOOK OF 

Salve Muslins. — Ointments spread by machinery on 
undressed muslin or mull. The basis is benzoated mut- 
ton tallow and wax. 

Sanarelli's Serum. — This is a serum used for yellow 
fever. Sanarelli states that it is bactericidal, but not anti- 
toxic, and is efficacious in yellow fever only at an early 
stage and before the occurrence of serious organic changes 
in the various viscera as the result of excessive toxins. 

Sanatogen. — Said to be a combination of sodium and 
casein glycero-phosphate. It contains about thirteen per 
cent of nitrogen, and is used as a nutrient tonic, in doses 
of a teaspoonful with meals. 

Sanger's Gonorrhoeal Maculae. — These consist of 
small, red papules, situated about the openings of the 
Bartholinian glands. They are, as a rule, indications of 
chronic gonorrhoea. 

Sanguinoform. — A preparation obtained by Warten- 
berg from the "embryonic blood-forming organs." It is a 
dry powder, with a pleasant taste. Advocated in anaemia, 
in doses of half a teaspoonful for an adult, three times a 
day. For a child, in proportion to the age. 

Sanmetto. — Oil of sandalwood and fluid extract of saw 
palmetto. Used in genito-urinary diseases. Dose, 3 i. 
four times a day. 

San o form. — Obtained by the action of iodine on me- 
thyl salicylate. A white, crystalline powder, used as a 
substitute for iodoform. 

Sanose. — An albumen preparation, said to contain 
eighty per cent albumose. It is a white, odorless, and 

\ 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 147 

tasteless powder, which forms an emulsion when stirred 
with water. 

Saprol. — A product of petroleum refining. Used as a 
disinfectant. 

Savonal. — A medicated soap, introduced by Muller and 
Grube. It is made by mixing in the cold, olive oil, potash 
lye, and alcohol until full saponification, adding dilute hy- 
drochloric acid, and then the alkaline mother liquid, until 
perfect neutralization. Evaporation to salve consistency. 

Scarlet Fever : New Clinical Sign. — P. Meyer 
(Presse died., March 5, 1898; has observed numbness of 
both hands combined with formication. Occasionally the 
sign exists in the feet alone, or in combination with that of 
the hands. It occurs in the eruptive stage, lasts from a 
few minutes to several days, and is usually intermittent. 

Schenk Theory. — A theory set forth by Schenk, of 
Vienna, by which he claims that it is possible to govern 
the process of gestation so as to determine the sex of human 
offspring. It is claimed that evolution depends largely 
upon the amount of sugar supplied to the growing organism. 
If a male child is desired the mother must absolutely deny 
herself sweets. As the author himself puts the matter: 
" When no sugar is secreted, not even the smallest quan- 
tity, then the ovum will be developed which is qualified to 
become a male individual." 

Schleich Method (General Anaesthesia). — After ex- 
perimentation upon animals, the originator settled upon 
the following three mixtures as offering the greatest num- 
ber of points of advantage over older methods. While in 



148 HANDY BOOK OF 

the inventor's hands the method has been used in hun- 
dreds of cases with unfailing success, some recent investi- 
gators have found in it much to condemn. 

Mixture I. — (Boiling point, 38° 0.) 

Chloroform 45 parts. 

Petroleum ether 15 " 

Sulph. ether 180 " 

Mixture II. — (Boiling point, 40° C.) 

Chloroform 45 parts. 

Petroleum ether 15 " 

Sulph. ether , 150 " 

Mixture III. — (Boiling point, 42° C.) 

Chloroform 30 parts. 

Petroleum ether . 15 " 

Sulph. ether 80 " 

Small doses are urged. Of Mixture I., 30 gm. for an 
operation lasting twenty minutes. 

Schleich Method (Local). — A method of local anaes- 
thesia in which three strengths of so-called .sal anaestheti- 
cum are employed, as in the following table : 

I. Strong. II. Normal. in. Weak. 

Cocain. hydrochlor 0.2 0.1 0.01 

Morphin. hydrochlor 0.025 0.025 0.005 

Natr. chlorat. steril 0.2 0.2 0.2 

Each of these combinations is to be dissolved in 100 c.c. 
of water. Tablets of the above strength are to be had, 
and are convenient for extemporaneous solutions. 

Schlunge's Sign of Intestinal Obstruction. — Total 
absence of peristalsis at any point below the seat of 
strangulation, and dilatation of the intestines above. 

Schonlein's Disease (Peliosis Eheumatica). — This 
disease, also known as purpura rheumatica, consists of a 
purpuric skin eruption combined with rheumatic pains in 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 149 

the various joints. With these there may be an elevation 
of temperature, diminution of appetite, and general weak- 
ness. The mucous membranes are not involved, and re- 
currences are not infrequent. 

Schott Method. — A* system of resistance gymnastics 
in which the patient makes slow, systematic movements, 
which are opposed by the operator. The breathing must 
be kept quiet. The resistance is made by the hand of the 
operator held flat. Strict rules have been laid down for 
carrying out the various movements. It is advocated in 
circulatory disturbances, all enfeebled conditions of the 
heart, particularly when there is lack of compensation. 
Contraindications are advanced arterial sclerosis and grave 
complications. A system of baths, with or without mas- 
sage, forms a part of the treatment. Mitral cases, partic- 
ularly those of regurgitation, and all cases of slight in- 
compensation, are mostly benefited. It is also useful in 
anaemia and chronic rheumatism. 

This method is largely employed in Nauheim, Germany, 
where it was originally introduced. Nauheim bath salts 
in compact tablets for home treatment are now on the 
market. 

Sclerogenic Method. — Lannelongue's method of in- 
jecting chloride of zinc for hernia has been extended by 
Coudray to tuberculosis of the larger joints, congenital 
dislocation of the hip, inoperable tumors, etc. 

Scoliocoiditis. — A name introduced and used by Noth- 
nagel to designate appendicitis. 

Scopolamine. — Isomeric with cocaine, having an ac- 



150 HANDY BOOK OF 

tion like that of hyoscy amine. In paroxysmal excitement, 
i to 1 mgm. hypodermatically. Useful in acute mania. 

Seiler's Antiseptic Tablets. — Used quite extensively 

for nasal catarrh. They consist of : 

Sodii bicarb, et sodii bibor. , 
Sodii benzoat. et sodii salicyL 
Eucalyptol et thymol, 
Menthol et ol. gaultherise, 

in varying proportions. 

Sequardin. — Testicular extract. 

Serum, Anti-Amaryl. — A term applied by Sanarelli to 
his yellow-fever antitoxin. 

Serum Therapy. — Serums have been prepared and 
used with varying success in diphtheria, tetanus, tubercu- 
losis, streptococcic and staphylococcic infections, typhoid 
fever, bubonic plague, rabies, cholera, smallpox, yellow 
fever, pneumonia, anthrax, syphilis, snake poisoning, 
typhus fever, and cancer. 

Sideroscope (Asmus). — An instrument used to detect 
fragments of steel and iron within the eye and beneath the 
skin. The apparatus is described in a little book entitled 
"Das Sideroskop und seine Anwendung," published by 
Bergmann, of Wiesbaden. 

Silver Citrate (Also called Itrol and Crede's Anti- 
septic). — This is a soluble form of metallic silver, and con- 
sists of a fine, white, odorless powder. It stains as does 
nitrate of silver, but the stain may be removed with water 
or ether. It has been used in the form of powder for the 
antiseptic treatment of wounds, in solutions of 1:4,000 
or 5,000 for disinfecting wounds, and in strength of 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 151 

1:10,000 as a gargle. The ointment is said to have given 
favorable results in various septic conditions, such as lym- 
phangitis, phlegmons, and the septic complications of 
scarlet fever and diphtheria. 

Silver Lactate (Also known as Actol). — Another solu- 
ble preparation of silver, with highly antiseptic properties 
and great power of penetrating tissues. In cases of infec- 
tious inflammations, it has been used in the form of sub- 
cutaneous injections of from f to 3 grains. Larger doses 
give rise to aseptic destruction of tissue. 

Sitophobia. — A symptom of insanity, consisting of 
absolute refusal to take food. 

Skiagraphy. — The most approved term for Roentgen- 
ray photography. 

Skoda's Resonance. — A tympanitic percussion note 
heard in the infraclavicular region, in pleurisy with effu- 
sion. 

Sleeping-Sickness. — A disease occurring among the 
negroes, chiefly on the west coast of xlfrica, characterized 
by a lethargic state lasting for weeks or months, and ter- 
minating in death. The fllaria perstans seems to be a 
causative factor. See "Negro Lethargy." 

Sodium Cinnamate. — Recommended, as is also cinna- 
mic acid, in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis. It 
is a , crystalline, white powder, soluble in hot water, alco- 
hol, and fatty bodies. It has been recommended by Lan- 
drer as an intravenous injection in water or in physiologi- 
cal salt solution, after sterilization. A vein at the bend of 
the elbow is chosen and made prominent by compression. 



152 HANDY BOOK OF 

Dose, gr. ■£% every forty-eiglit hours, increased by from gr. 
sV to ^ up to a maximum dose of gr. J. Treatment 
should extend over four to six months, after which it 
should be omitted for from one to two months. 

Sodium Copaibate. — Recommended for gonorrhoea, in 
doses of gr. x. to xx. four to six times a day. It seems 
to be less irritating to the gastro-intestinal and genito-uri- 
nary apparatus than oil of copaiba. 

Sodium Phosphate. — Advocated by Wolff in daily 
doses of 3 iii. to iv., for urticaria. 

Solutol. — Cresylic acid made soluble with sodium cres- 
ylate. Used as a disinfectant. 

Solveol. — A concentrated solution of cresylic acid with 
sodium creosote. An internal antiseptic. 

Somatose. — Albumose of meat freed from peptones, 
containing eighty-eight per cent of albumose and twelve 
per cent of peptone. A light yellow, granular powder, 
odorless, tasteless, and soluble in all the ordinary fluids. 
In conditions of debility from whatever cause, in convales- 
cence, dyspepsia, and wherever an easily assimilable and 
invigorating food is required, somatose has proven very 
efficacious and has acted as a restorative tonic. The adult 
dose is gr. cl. to 5 ss. ; the dose for children, gr. 1. to 3 ii. 
Drews and Joachim state that it increases the quantity 
and quality of the milk in nursing women. It is best ad- 
ministered in milk, gruels, coffee, cocoa, and water, short- 
ly before meals. Somatose chocolate, somatose cocoa, 
and somatose biscuit have recently been placed on the 
market. 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 153 

Somnal.— Hypnotic of unknown composition, said to 
be composed of chloral and urethan in alcohol. Used in 
doses of 3 ss. 

Sozoiodol. — A mixture of sulphur, carbolic acid, and 
iodine, in the proportion of 7, 20, and 54. An antiseptic 
powder used as a substitute for iodoform. 

Spectrotherapy. — A therapeutic measure suggested by 
Apery, through the employment of prismatically decom- 
posed rays. The subject has not yet been investigated. 

Spermatocystitis. — An inflammation of the seminal 
vesicles, often of blennorrhagic origin; the inflamed vesi- 
cles are painful on rectal pressure and at times during de- 
fecation. The method by expression, first employed by 
Alexander for diagnostic purposes, has subsequently been 
elaborated by Fuller as a therapeutic measure. The con- 
dition may be simply catarrhal or suppurative. 

Spermin. — From the testicular fluid of bulls, guinea* 
pigs, etc., combined with glycerin; given hypodermati- 
cally in thirty-minim doses or half the quantity, for impo- 
tence, tabes dorsalis, neurasthenia, etc. It is said to 
regulate oxidation and metabolism of the organism, thus 
relieving the nervous system of strain. Senator, Ewald, 
Mendel, and Furbringer have spoken highly in its favor. 

Sphacelotoxin. — The active principle of ergot. Dose, 
gr. ss. to iss. Uses, the same as those of ergot. 

Spleen Extract. — This has been used in the form of 
a fluid extract or emulsion. It is said to aid nutrition 
and digestion, to increase the cutaneous circulation, the 
haemoglobin, and red blood cells. The pulse becomes ac- 



154 HANDY BOOK OF 

celerated and the temperature slightly elevated. The dose 
of the fluid extract is three to four tablespoonfuls daily; 
that of the emulsion, 3 i. four times a day. It may also 
be administered in tablet form. 

Staphyloangina.— A term suggested by J. E. Walsh 
for pseudo-membranous inflammations of the throat, de- 
pendent upon staphylococci. 

Staphylococcia. — A generalized infection with the 
staphylococcus. Usually local manifestations (furuncle, 
carbuncle, phlegmon) are present. 

Stauungspapilla (Choked Disc) . — Most frequently 
observed in cerebral tumors, tabes dorsalis, and paresis. 
May be secondary to retinitis. 

Stenocardia. — Angina Pectoris. 

Steresol. — A brown fluid, containing tolu, phenol, va- 
rious gums, and alcohol. Used as a varnish, like collo- 
dion. 

Sterisol. — A compound of formaldehyde, sodium chlo- 
ride, and potassium phosphate. Used as an internal anti- 
septic. 

Stethonoscope. — A newly patented instrument for aus- 
cultation, constructed on the principle of the microphone. 
It is said by the English manufacturers to be superior to 
the phonendoscope. It may be attached to a binaural 
stethoscope. 

Stoker's Cramp. — Violent cramps in the muscles of 
the legs, back, and about the chest, affecting men (usually 
dissipated) who work as stokers in steamships. There 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 155 

may be unconsciousness, lasting from five minutes to two 
Lours. Abdominal pain and constipation follow. One 
attack seems to predispose to another. Treatment : Large 
doses of opium, followed by castor oil and Epsom salts. — 
K. M. Myeks. 

Streptoangina. — Used by J. E. Walsh to designate a 
pseudo-membranous deposit in the throat, due to strepto- 
cocci. 

Strobila. — A complete tapeworm. 

Strontium Bromide. — Kecommended in painful dys- 
pepsias and in affections in which bromide of potassium 
is useful, not producing the ill effects of the latter drug. 
In epilepsy, hysteria, and cephalalgia it is said to be of 
value. Dose, 3 ss. to i. per day. 

Strontium Iodide. — A whitish-yellow powder, with a 
bitter taste, soluble in water and alcohol. Used as a sub- 
stitute for potassium iodide in rheumatism, asthma, etc. 
Dose, gr. v. to xv. 

Strontium Lactate. — White powder, soluble in alco- 
hol and water. Used as an anthelmintic and tonic. Dose, 
gr. v. to xx. It is said to diminish albumin in the urine, 
in daily doses of 3 ss. to i. 

Strontium Salicylate. — Antirheumatic and general 
tonic, in doses of gr. x. to 3 ss. 

Strychnine Nitrate. — Useful in the treatment of alco- 
holism. 



R Strychnine nitratis gr. J- 

Atropine sulphatis gr. ^ 

Aquse destillatae ttl x. 

S. Inject three times daily. 



156 HANDY BOOK OF 

On the following day decrease to gr. ■£$ with, gr ji^ of 
atropine. 

Stryone.— 

B, Liquid storax, 

Balsam of Peru aa gr. iv. 

Distilled water, 

Alcohol aa 3 iiss. 

Used in suppurative otitis media by instillation. Recom- 
mended by Bolt. 

Styphage of Bailly. — A revulsive, by means of pledgets 
of cotton wet with chloride of methyl. Used along the 
course of painful nerve trunks, as in neuralgia, sciatica, etc. 

Stypticin. — The hydrochloric-acid compound of cotar- 
nine, one of the opium alkaloids, forming long, silky crys- 
tals. Used in uterine hemorrhages, in doses of gr. i. by 
the mouth, or half the dose hypodermatically. 

Styra-Phenol. — A dressing for wounds and skin dis- 
eases, containing no grease. 

Sulphocarbol. — See Aseptol. 

Sulphonal (Diethyl-sulfone-methyl-methane). — A color- 
less, tasteless, odorless powder, rather insoluble in cold 
water, but soluble in warm water, hot coffee, soups, or alco- 
hol. It is a prompt, efficient, and safe hypnotic in doses of 
gr. xv. to xxx., given before bedtime. In insomnias and 
neuroses free from pain, it is very useful. It requires sev- 
eral hours before its effects are produced. It is said to arrest 
the night sweats of phthisis. No ill effects are produced 
on the heart, respiration, or stomach. If given one to two 
hours before the effect is desired, it produces a sleep of 
six to eight hours. This drug is not a narcotic, but a 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 157 

hypnotic, and is not followed by a habit from continued 
use. Its continuous administration may, however, pro- 
duce damaging effects and give rise to sulphonal poi- 
soning, with physical and mental weakness, anorexia, 
vomiting, and red urine, due to the presence of ha3inato- 
porphyrin. In three days, if the drug be discontinued, 
it will be entirely eliminated. 

Suprarenal Extract. — From the suprarenal glands of 
oxen and sheep. Indicated in conditions associated with 
loss of muscular powers, asthenia, neurasthenia, Addison's 
disease, pernicious ansemia, and diabetes mellitus. The 
saccharated extract is best used in aqueous solution. An 
astringent action of decided power is obtained from a two- 
to f our-per-cent solution ; the ischgemia obtained persists 
longer than from other known astringents. H. L. Swain 
recommends local applications of an aqueous solution for 
hay fever and various congestive and hypertrophic proc- 
esses of the nasal membranes. Upon the conjunctiva it 
is used without irritation or secondary congestion, and is 
highly esteemed as an adjuvant to cocaine. Also recom- 
mended by W. H. Bates in congestion of the mucous mem- 
branes of the ear, nose, and in urethral stricture. He says 
it has proven efficacious in angina pectoris. The best 
method of administration for acting on the heart and other 
internal organs is to place it carefully on the tongue, where 
it is absorbed by the mucous membrane. 

Surmay's Operation. — Also known as jejunostomy. 
The first portion of the jejunum is drawn forward and su- 
tured laterally to the anterior wall of the abdomen ; in a 
lew days a fistulous opening is made with a Paquelin 



158 HANDY BOOK OF 

cautery. Feeding through this opening can be carried out 
without difficulty. This operation is mostly applicable to 
neoplasms of the stomach which are too extensive to permit 
of resection or anastomosis. 

Svapnia. — Said to contain the anodyne and soporific al- 
kaloids — codeine, narceine, and morphine — excluding the 
convulsive and more poisonous ones. It has a standard 
strength of ten per cent of morphine. 

Symphorol. — Caffeine-sulphonic acid. Said to be a 
reliable diuretic. Dose, gr. xv. four times daily. 

Syndactylism, — The union of two or more fingers. 

Syphilomania. — A tendency on the part of those cured 
of syphilis, or some venereal disease, to attribute every 
subsequent excoriation, herpes, or accidental lesion to 
the original syphilitic infection. 

Syphilophobia. — A morbid fear of syphilis on the part 
of those possibly infected with other venereal disease or 
who have been exposed to infection. 

Tallerman-Sheffield hot dry-air apparatus, used in 
the Tallerman treatment. 

Tallerman Treatment. — This method consists in the 
local application of superheated dry air, by the introduc- 
tion of the j3art into a cylinder or inclosed space. Used 
in the various forms of rheumatism and gout, sciatica, 
lumbago, sprains, synovitis, painful joints, rheumatoid 
arthritis, and gonorrhoeal rheumatism. Seance from one- 
half to one hour. Although the Tallerman apparatus is 
protected by patent, it is said by the inventor that no case 
is permitted to be treated without direct medical approval 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 159 

and supervision. The limb is protected by lint and placed 
in the cylinder; the required temperature is quickly ob- 
tained, and the time allowed is from forty -five to sixty 
minutes. At intervals of twenty minutes the door is 
opened and the limb dried if the patient perspires freely. 
The degree of temperature varies with the case and with 
the patient, ranging from 250° to 400° E. The baths are 
given generally every second day. After the bath an hour 
is allowed for "cooling off." 

Tannalbin (Albuminate of Tannin). — A yellowish pow- 
der, containing fifty per cent of tannin, and used in chron- 
ic diarrhoeas, especially those of tuberculous origin. 
Adult dose, gr. xv. ; for children below the age of four years, 
gr. vi. three or four times daily, or p.r.n. 

Tannigen. — A white, odorless, tasteless powder, made 
from tannic and acetic acid. Its great advantage over tan- 
nic acid is that it passes the mucous membrane of the 
stomach unchanged, and thus acts as a true intestinal anti- 
septic. In doses of from gr. iii. to xv. it has been used 
in chronic diarrhoea, chronic dysentery, summer diarrhoea 
of children, and in all forms of diarrhoea of non-infectious 
origin. 

Tannoform. — A reddish-white powder, recommended 
in pruritus vulvae of diabetics and in hyperidrosis. Used 
either pure or mixed with starch. 

Tannon. — Same as Tannopin. 

Tannopin. — A brownish, tasteless, slightly hygro- 
scopic powder, insoluble in water, alcohol, and ether, but 
dissolving slowly in weak alkalies. It is an intestinal as- 
tringent, which is a compound of tannin (eighty-seven per 



160 HANDY BOOK OF 

cent) with hexamethylentetramin or urotropin (thirteen 
percent). It is said to pass the stomach unaltered, and. 
to liberate its astringent constituents in the intestinal 
canal. It has been used in doses of gr. iii. to x., three 
times daily, for acute and chronic intestinal catarrh, the 
diarrhoea of typhoid, and tuberculosis. This drug was 
originally introduced by Nicolaier, in the treatment of 
affections of the urinary apparatus. 

Tannosal. — A combination of tannic acid and creosote. 
It is a brown powder, soluble in water. 

Tardieu's Spots. — Ecchymotic stains on the lungs, 
observed after death from asphyxia. 

Telelectro-Therapeutics. — Gerest, of Lyons, is said 
to cure hysteric paralysis by a series of electric discharges 
in the neighborhood of the patient, without contact. The 
effect is evidently similar to that of suggestion. 

Telegony. — The transmission, to the children of a sec- 
ond husband, of characteristics possessed by the first. 

Telepathy has been dignified as a branch of science by 
the presentation of the subject to the British Medical As- 
sociation by Professor Crookes. Mr. Meacham's theory 
to account for its phenomena in medicine includes "a 
thought- vibrating, circumambient ether," which transmits 
ideas through a " universal psychic menstruum " to the 
little neurons which project their tufts in hypersensitive 
search for and response to countless vibrations. 

Tellurate of Potash.— An antisudorific. Dose, gr. \ 
to gr. i. per day in pill form. 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 161 

Tellurate of Soda.— Dose, gr. J daily in pill form, or 

B Sodae tellurat gr. ij. 

Alcohol I ij. 

M. S. Teaspoonful morning and night in sweetened water. 

Eight to ten days suffice for a cure of decided hyperidro- 
sis (Barth). 

Terebene. — An agreeable preparation of turpentine, 
made from the latter by the gradual addition of sul- 
phuric acid. It is a pale yellow fluid with an odor of pine 
wood, slightly soluble in water, but soluble in alcohol and 
ether. It is used as a stimulant expectorant, antiseptic, 
and deodorizer. Yery serviceable in subacute and chronic 
bronchitis, winter cough, the flatulence of fermentation, 
and occasionally in sloughing wounds. In phthisical af- 
fections it may be given by inhalation. The dose is tt[ iii. 
to x., which may be given in the form of capsules or emul- 
sion. Its advantages over turpentine are its more palatable 
qualities and the lessened danger of renal injury. 

Terpin Hydrate. — A substitute for turpentine. It con- 
sists of crystals which are insoluble in cold water, but sol- 
uble in chloroform, alcohol, and ether. In small doses it 
increases the secretion of the bronchial mucous membrane 
and also that of the kidney. It is used in chronic bron- 
chitis and sometimes in nephritis on account of its diuretic 
and diaphoretic properties. The dose is gr. ii. to viii., 
best given in pill form or alcohol. 

Terpinol. — A derivative of terpin. It diminishes ex- 
cessive bronchial secretions in daily dose of gr. v. to xv. 

Terralin. — A mixture of calcined magnesia, kaolin, 

silica, lanolin, glycerin, and some antiseptic. Introduced 
11 



162 HANDY BOOK OF 

by Tschkoff. Used as a vehicle which does not readily 
alter on keeping and can be easily removed from the skin 
by water. 

Terrol. — A fluid petroleum introduced as a substitute 
for cod-liver oil. Dose, 3 ii. 

Testaden. — Dried testicular extract. Dose, 30 grains 
t.i.d. for neurasthenia, impotence, and spinal diseases. 

Tetanus Antitoxin. — A prophylactic and at times a 
curative agent for idiopathic or traumatic tetanus. It has 
lately been used in the form of intra-cranial injections at 
the General Hospital in Passaic, N. J., and with a success- 
ful result. It is dispensed in vials of 10 c.c. Roux and 
Borel state that a few drops of antitoxin injected intra- 
cerebrally produce the same effect as large quantities by 
hypodermatic injection or directly into the blood. 

The extract of the brain of warm-blooded animals (sheep, 
rabbit) has recently been employed as an anti tetanic injec- 
tion, with apparently good results. 

Tetronal. — Closely allied to sulphonal and trional, but 
not so efficacious as either. It is less soluble than trional, 
and more toxic in its action. Dose, gr. iv. to viii. It is 
rarely used in this country. 

Thermodin (Acetyl---ethoxy-phenyl-ure thane.) — An 
antiseptic and antipyretic. Dose, gr. v.-x. 

Thermomassage. — A combination of heat application 
and massage by means of smoothing-iron-like and rolling 
instruments filled with acetate of sodium. Advocated by 
Goldscheider (Zeitschrift f. dicit. u. Physik. Therapie, Bd. 1, 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 163 

H. 3, 1898). Useful in rheumatism, neuralgia, and other 
affections. 

Thermopsychrophor. — An instrument devised by Dr. 
Scharff, of Stettin, for the treatment of chronic prostatitis. 
The instrument has for its object the rapid application of 
alternating heat and cold (Lancet, November 12, 1898). 

Thermotherapy. — The application of heat has recently 
been extended in many directions. Hot spray baths in 
lichen planus, psoriasis, itching affections ; hot- water in- 
jections in gonorrhoea; hot coil in chancroid (40° to 45° 
C); poultice kept at a given temperature by a metallic 
cap fitting over it and through whose summit a supply 
tube passes (Quincke) ; hot bag to leg ulcers for many 
hours together; hot vapor in obstinate chronic eczema. 
Dry heat to chronically inflamed joints, by means of 
special apparatus (see Tallerman method, page 158). The 
application of superheated air seems susceptible of wide 
application not only in lithaemic conditions, but in respi- 
ratory affections, tonsillitis, conjunctivitis, etc. The ap- 
paratus in use must be capable of furnishing a temperature 
of from 300° to 350° F. 

Thermal baths have been found efficacious in tabes 
dorsalis. 

Thiersch's Solution. — 

Salicylic acid 2 

Boric acid 12 

Water 1,000 

A valuable antiseptic wash for nose, throat, stomach, 
and bladder. 

Thilinin. — Obtained by the action of sulphur on lano- 



164 HANDY BOOK OP 

lin so that the latter contains three per cent of the former. 
It has the appearance of vaseline and is used in eczema, 
etc. 

Thiocol. — The potassium, salt 'of guaiacol-sulphonic 
acid, containing about sixty per cent of guaiacol. It is a 
fine white powder, with a bitter-sweet taste, soluble in 
water, recommended as a substitute for guaiacol in phthi- 
sis, chronic bronchitis, and scrofula. Dose gr. viii.-xx. 
t.i.d. Best administered in solution. 

Thioform. — A yellowish-brown, odorless powder, occa- 
sionally used to supplant iodoform on account of its odor- 
less and non-toxic jjroperties. 

Thiol. — A substitute for ichthyol, obtained by the action 
of sulphur on the oil of gas of commerce. It occurs either 
as a black powder which is soluble in water or as a black, 
syrupy liquid. As a vaginal dressing, tampons are used 
with thiol in ten- to twenty-per-cent solution in glycerin. 
For application to the skin it may be used in five- to ten- 
per-cent ointment, or in burns the liquid thiol may be used 
in its purity or with equal parts of water. It has an ad- 
vantage over ichthyol in being odorless. 

Thionin (Hoyer). — A basic dye used for staining blood 
specimens and the plasmodium malarise. A saturated 
solution in thirty-three-per-cent alcohol is usually em- 
ployed. 

Thioresorcin. — A combination of resorcin and sulphur, 
consisting of a yellowish-white, odorless powder insoluble 
in water, but slightly soluble in alcohol and ether. Used 
as a substitute for iodoform and in ointment form (five to 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 165 

ten per cent) as a remedy for psoriasis, seborrhceal eczema, 
and other skin lesions. 

Thiosavonal. — A soluble sulphur soap made by saponi- 
fying Eiedel's sulphur oil with potash lye and adding 
empyreumatic oil of birch. 

Thiosinamin. — A chemical product obtained by reac- 
tion with ammonia from the volatile oil of mustard. Oc- 
curs as white crystals with a faint garlic odor and of 
slightly bitter taste. This has been used in enlargement 
of glands, carcinoma, lupus, adenoid, keloid, and the ab- 
sorption of cicatrices. It is soluble in water, alcohol, and 
glycerin. Watery solutions are less permanent. Dose, 
TTl vii. to x. of a fifteen-per-cent solution given hypoder- 
matically. It inay be given in doses of gr. -§ to gr. ii. for 
painful gastric tumors. 

Thomsen's Disease.— See Myotonia Congenita, page 
116. 

Thymacetin. — A white powder slightly soluble in water. 
Dose, gr. iv. to xii. as an analgesic. 

Thymol Biniodide. — See Aristol. 

Thymus Gland. — Preparations of this gland have been 
used internally on the same principles which govern the 
use of thyroid. It is supposed to benefit certain systemic 
disturbances arising in persons in whom the thymus gland 
became atrophied at too early a date. Some have used it 
instead of the thyroid. Its main application is in the 
treatment of simple goitre. The dose is half an ounce sev- 



166 HANDY BOOK OF 

eral times a week. It is best administered in capsules or 
tablets. 

Thy ol. -See Thiol. 

Thyreoid. — Name used by P. D. & Co. for a concen- 
trated thyroid extract. 

Thyrocol. — A proprietary preparation used in psoria- 
sis; given in palatinoids. 

Thyroglandin. — An English thyroid preparation said 
to be four times as strong as the fresh gland. 

Thyroid. — A substance prepared from the fresh gland 
of sheep and used during the past few years in a variety of 
conditions with varying though usually successful results. 
The conditions in which it has proved most efficacious are 
myxcedema, cretinism, lipomatosis universalis, cachexia 
strumipriva, insanity, and Basedow's disease. It has 
been recommended by Hertoghe as a galactogogue. Spastic 
torticollis, tetany, acromegaly, Parkinson's disease, haemo- 
philia, enlarged prostate, fibroid tumors of the uterus, 
psoriasis, and premature grayness have all in turn been 
subjected to its use. In an instance recorded by Mosse an 
infant at the breast having a marked bilobed goitre was 
cured by the administration of the drug to the mother. 
The hypodermatic administration of the liquid extract and 
the grafting of the fresh gland have become obsolete, and 
the tendency of to-day is to use the powder, capsules, or 
tablet prepared from the desiccated fresh gland. It is ad- 
visable to begin with small doses, gradually increased until 
the desired effect is reached. BeginDing with one or two 
grains a day, we may administer as much as fifteen grains 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 167 

daily, always being on our guard for poisonous effects. 
Especial attention should be given to the respiratory and 
cardiac apparatus, and at the first appearance of rapid 
pulse, embarrassed respiration, rise of temperature, ver- 
tigo, irritability, and gastric disturbance its use should be 
abandoned. 

Tic Rotatoire. — The same as tic giratoire. A clonic 
spasm of the obliquus capitis inferior. According to 
Meyer (Wiener Minische Rundschau, January, 1898), tic 
rotatoire depends in the majority of cases upon func- 
tional disturbances of the brain, and is caused by mental 
or physical excitement. In rare cases it depends upon 
organic changes in the brain, or may be due to patho- 
logical changes in the course of the spinal accessory nerve 
itself, or in its branches supplying the sterno-cleido-mas- 
toid and trapezius. 

Toison's Solution. — Used with Thoma-Zeiss apparatus 
for counting the red and white blood cells with a single 

solution. 

A. 

Methyl violet 0. 025 

Neutral glycerin 30. 

Distilled water 80. 

B. 

Sodium chloride 1.0 

Sulphate of sodium 8. 

Distilled water 80.0 

Mix A and B, and filter. Use the red-blood-cell pipette 
for the counting. With this fluid the white blood cells ap- 
pear violet, the red blood cells yellow-green. Useful in 
diseases associated with marked leucocytosis. 



168 HANDY BOOK OF 

Toluidin-Blue. — Used as a collyrium in inflammatory- 
eye affections in solution of 1 : 1,000. It seems materially 
to lessen pus formation. Water readily removes the stain 
from the skin. 

Toluol. — A preparation recommended by Loeffler for 
the local treatment of diphtheria. 

1$ Solution of chloride of iron 2 c.c. 

Menthol 5 " 

Alcohol, absolute 30 " 

Toluene 18 " 

Toxicodendrol. — A non-volatile oil discovered in 1895 
by Pfaff, of Harvard, and said by him to be the etiological 
factor in the production of dermatitis venenata or ivy pois- 
oning. It is soluble in oil but insoluble in water, and for 
this reason salves and oily applications, it is thought, only 
tend to spread the affection, while washing with soap and 
water or alcohol removes the poison. Pfaff says that the 
oil is very readily destroyed by an alcoholic solution of 
lead acetate. 

Trapp's Coefficient. — Used for the quantitative deter- 
mination of the total amount of solids excreted in the urine. 
The figure employed is 2, and the method of procedure is 
the same as in Haeser's coefficient. 

Traube's Semilunar Space.— This is a region bounded 
by the liver, lung, spleen, and free border of the ribs. 
Under normal conditions the percussion note in this local- 
ity is tympanitic. In left-sided pleurisy with effusion the 
note becomes flat, thus forming a differential aid in diag- 
nosticating this condition from pneumonia. 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 169 

Traumaticin. — A thick liquid similar in appearance to 
collodion and consisting of a saturated or 1 : 10 solution 
of guttapercha in chloroform. It is used as a vehicle for 
chrysarobin, ichthyol, anthrarobin, aristol, etc., forming a 
thin pellicle when the chloroform evaporates. 

Triacid. — This is the triple neutral stain of Ehrlich 
used so extensively for blood specimens. The constituents 
are acid fuchsin (extra) , methyl green, and orange G mixed 
in certain proportions. Thus : 

Saturated watery solution of acid fuchsin 50 

" " " " orange G 70 

" " " " methyl green 80 

Distilled water 150 

Absolute alcohol 80 

Glycerin 20 

The specimen being fixed is stained at once in from five 
to ten minutes. The stain is called neutral, because the e 
granulations, otherwise known as neutrophile granulations, 
take up this stain, thus differing from the eosin hsema- 
toxylon stain, which does not affect the neutrophile granu- 
lations. With this solution the red blood cells appear red- 
violet, the nuclei of the leucocytes light green or blue-gray, 
the nuclei of the erythroblasts (only present under abnor- 
mal conditions, or- see page 57) dark blue or dark green, 
the a or eosinophile granulations red, the e or neutrophile 
granulations violet. This solution is also used to deter- 
mine the presence or absence of fibrin in the sputum. A 
sputum rich in fibrin (pneumonia) is stained red, whereas 
a sputum with an abundance of mucus and leucocytes 
(bronchitis) is stained blue-green. This test is both micro- 
and macroscopical. 



170 HANDY BOOK OF 

Trichloracetic Acid. — Consists of large deliquescent 
crystals soluble in water and alcohol. Used for the re- 
moval of corns, warts, callosities, hypertrophies of the 
nasal cavities and pharynx. As it is very caustic and 
spreading in its action, it must be limited to the seat of the 
lesion. Needless to say, a previous application of cocaine 
is requisite when using it on mucous membranes. 

Trichotillomania. — The habit of pulling out hairs from 
the head, brows, or beard. It exists also in mammals and 
birds, especially parrots show the same habit in a continual 
plucking out of feathers. 

Trigger Finger is an annoying affection characterized 
by the sudden and involuntary locking of the finger when 
it is flexed or extended to a certain point. The finger can- 
not be flexed or extended without a powerful effort, or with- 
out the aid of the other hand. Sometimes this effort is 
attended by a distinct snap. Thought by Jeannin to be 
due to a narrowing of the tendon sheath of the flexors. At 
times the affection is self-limited. It is also known as 
lock-finger, snap-finger, jerk-finger, spring-finger, and dig- 
itus recellens. It affects one digit as a rule, and the mid- 
dle one most frequently. Females are more frequently 
attacked than males. Some cases are associated with gout 
and rheumatism, others are due to occupation — musicians, 
seamstresses, etc. 

Treatment : Widening of the sheath and complete re- 
moval of the obstacle. 

Trikresol. — A clear, watery fluid said to have three 
times the disinfectant value of carbolic acid, recommended 
by Dr. E. A. de Schweinitz, of Washington, as an antisep- 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. l7l 

tic for the preservation of collyria. An aqueous solution 
(1 : 1000 to 1 : 500) is recommended as a vehicle for cocaine, 
atropine, eserine, etc. It is said to produce no burning, 
irritation, nor pain. 

It has recently been recommended by MacGowan, of 
California (Journ. of Cut. and Gen.-Ur. Dis., May, 1899), 
for alopecia areata, and applied in its pure state for tricho- 
phytosis of the scalp. 

Trinitrin. — Same as nitroglycerin. Kecently recom- 
mended for haemoptysis and laryngismus stridulus. 

Trional. — A white crystalline substance, of bitter taste, 
almost insoluble in water, but soluble in alcohol and ether. 
It acts as an hypnotic and sedative in doses of gr. xv. to xx., 
Its action and dose are midway between those of sulphonal 
and tetronal. Dose varies from gr. x. to xxx. ; gr. xv. is a 
good average dose, and may be repeated in an hour. It is 
best administered in a cupful of warm milk, tea, sweetened 
water, or gruel. 

Triphenin. — A coal-tar derivative. Antipyretic and an- 
algesic. Dose, 5 to 10 gm. 

Tritipalm. — A proprietary genito-urinary tonic, consist- 
ing of the fluid extract of fresh saw palmetto and triticin. 
Dose 3 i. t.i.d. 

Tritol. — A name given by Dieterich to a diastasic ex- 
tract of malt, twenty-five parts of which are sufficient to 
emulsify seventy -five parts of cod-liver or castor oil. 

Tropocaine (Tropococaine). — A local anaesthetic which 
has been used in eye practice in lieu of cocaine. It was 



1?2 HANDY BOOK OF 

first obtained from Javanese coca leaves, and is now pro- 
cured synthetically by the decomposition of atropine and 
hyoscyamine. It occurs in colorless crystals which are 
very soluble in water. The strength of the solutions used 
varies from two to six per cent. It is said to produce an- 
aesthesia more quickly than cocaine, with less consequent 
irritation and hyperemia. Mydriasis rarely occurs and 
accommodation is not affected. It differs from cocaine in 
that its anaesthetic effects last longer, it does not reduce 
swelling, and it is less dangerous. 

Trousseau's Phenomenon of Tetany.— This consists 
of an ability to reproduce the tonic spasm of the disease by 
pressure on the large arteries and nerves of the arm. The 
spasm continues so long as pressure is kept up. 

Tubercle Bacilli. — Since the usual methods are not re- 
liable in decomposed sputum, Housell advises to stain with 
hot carbol fuchsin, and to place the specimen in a three-per- 
cent solution of hydrochloric acid with absolute alcohol for 
not less than ten minutes. Counter stain with methylene 
blue in alcohol or corallin in absolute alcohol (P^ppenheim) . 

Tuberculin (Koch). — At present this is mostly used as 
a specific diagnostic agent in any stage of tuberculosis, 
and especially in veterinary practice. 

Tuberculin R. — A new tuberculin obtained by Koch 
by means of a mechanical process for breaking the wax-like 
enveloping membrane of tubercle bacilli so as to obtain the 
constituents of the bacilli themselves. So far there have 
been favorable reports in the treatment of lupus, and 
various tuberculoses both general and local. 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 173 

Tumenol. — Obtained by treating mineral oil with strong 
sulphuric acid. In oily solutions of ten to twenty -five per 
cent or in ointment, it allays cutaneous irritation and 
pruritus. 

Tussol (Antipyrin Mandelate). — Used in pertussis. 

Typewriter's Cramp. — One of the occupation neuroses. 
It has been suggested that a hammer be used for striking 
the keys, but, like the various devices for writer's cramp, 
all means are apt to fail except a change of occupation. 

Tyree's Antiseptic Powder. — A proprietary prepara- 
tion which is said to contain alum, biborate of sodium, 
eucalyptus, carbolic acid, thymol, wintergreen, and pepper- 
mint. It has been recommended for leucorrhceal and pur- 
ulent discharges, intertrigo, eczema, etc. 

Uffelmann's Reagent.— Used for the detection of lactic 
acid in the stomach contents. To 10 c.c. of a four-per-cent 
carbolic-acid solution add 20 c.c. of water and one or two 
drops of the tincture of chloride of iron. This gives an 
amethyst-blue solution. Add a few drops of the filtrate of 
the stomach contents, and if lactic acid is present the 
reagent assumes a green-yellow color, often spoken of as 
canary-yellow. 

Unguentin. — This is said to be an alum and petro- 
latum ointment containing ichthyol (five per cent) with 
carbolic acid (two per cent). 

Unit of Antitoxin. — This is ten times the amount of 
serum required to protect a guinea-pig weighing 250 
grams when ten times the fatal dose of the toxin is mixed 
with the serum and injected subcutaneously. 



174 HANDY BOOK OF 

Ural. — A mixture of chloral and urethrane, said to be a 
safer hypnotic than chloral. Dose, gr. xv. to xlv. 

Uranium Nitrate. — A valuable addition to remedies for 
glycosuria. A large amount (gr. xc. daily) may be given 
without unpleasant symptoms. Best given in gradually 
increasing doses from gr. iii. twice daily after meals and 
in a large amount of water. Favorable reports have been 
made by Samuel West, C. Hubert Bond, and others. 

Urea. — Used principally on account of its diuretic action 

and its ability to hold uric acid in solution. It produces 

its best effect in the ascites of biliary cirrhosis and cardiac 

disease, and in pleurisy with effusion. In renal affections 

it is less efficacious. In urinary lithiasis it may be given 

in ten-per-cent aqueous solution, of which a teaspoonful is 

to be taken every hour. Klemperer prescribes as follows : 

1$ Urese purse .......... , . . . . . , . . 10 

Aquas destillatse 200 

M. S. Tablespoonful every hour 

This is increased to 15 in 200 in two days, and to 20 in 
200 in two days more. Occasionally it causes a diarrhoea. 
The taste of the drug may be disguised with milk or selt- 
zer. In uric-acid diathesis : 

1^ Sodii bicarb. , 

Calc. carb., 

Ureae pur , . . , aa 25 

M. S. Half a teaspoonful three or four times a day 

In pernicious malaria associated with coma, the hypo- 
dermatic administration of gr. xx. of bimuriate of urea and 
quinine has proven very efficacious. 

Urea Salicylate (Ursal). — Used the same as salicylate 
®l sodium, gr. vii. one to four times a day. 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 175 

Urecidin. — A brownish granular substance prepared 
from lemon juice and citrate of lithia. Used in uric-acid 
diathesis, gout, urinary calculi, migraine, sexual neuras- 
thenia. Dose, gr. xv. to 3 iss. 

Urethane. — An ethylic ether of carbamic acid. This is 
a hypnotic in doses of gr. xv. to xlv., in solution; chil- 
dren, gr. v. to xv. 

Urobilin. — This is reduced bilirubin or hydrobilirubin. 
It is found in the urine in diseases of the liver (atrophic 
and hypertrophic cirrhosis), fever, cerebral hemorrhage, 
infarcts, and in the hemorrhagic diatheses (scorbutus, mor- 
bus maculosus Werlhofii). It is also found in a particular 
form of icterus known as the urobilin icterus of Gerhardt. 

Tests : (a) To a few cubic centimetres of urine add am- 
monia in excess until the reaction is strongly alkaline, and 
filter; then add a few drops of a ten-per-cent chloride-of- 
zinc solution and filter again. Examine against a dark 
background, and the filtrate appears green, and with trans- 
mitted light rose-red. Inasmuch as the various urinary 
pigments may resemble this color reaction, it is safer to 
examine the solution with a spectroscope. With this 
means we see an absorption band between green and blue. 

(b) GrinberVs Test: Take equal volumes of urine and 
hydrochloric acid and boil; then shake well with ether. 
In the presence of urobilin the ether appears a brownish- 
red and of a greenish fluorescence. 

(c) Rasmussen: Take equal parts of urine and ether, add 
six or seven drops of tincture of iodine, and shake thor- 
oughly. Set aside until the fluid separates into an upper 
layer of ether and iodine and a lower one of urine. If bile 



176 HANDY BOOK OF 

be present the lower layer turns green in the presence of 
biliverdin. 

Uropherin. — A salicylate and benzoate have been pre- 
pared from theobromine lithium. Said to be more readily 
absorbed than diuretin and efficacious in smaller dose. It 
has a bitter taste. Dose, gr. xv. 

Schmidt recommends for pleurisy and pericarditis of 
children : 

I£ Uropherin salicylates. , 5 gm. 

Mucilaginis acacise 15 " 

Syr. simplicis 15 " 

Vanillin 0.001 " 

Aquae 120.0 " 

M. S. A dessertspoonful one to three times a day. 

Urotropin (Hexamethylentetramin or Aminoform). — 
Belongs to the formaldehyde group. Obtained by a com- 
bination of formic aldehyde and ammonia. In half-gram 
doses it soon enters the urine and tends to produce a 
disinfectant and astringent effect. In pyelitis, chronic cys- 
titis following prostatic hypertrophy and stricture of the 
urethra, and in the cystitis following exposure to cold 
("Erkaltungs-Cystitis " of the Germans) it works well and 
promptly, whereas in acute gonorrhoea, in gonorrhoeal and 
tuberculous cystitis it works very poorly. It has been used 
in uric-acid diathesis and gout ; gr. xv. to xx. in a glassful 
of water every morning before breakfast being recom- 
mended as a prophylactic. 

Uvuloptosis. — A relaxed condition of the uvula and soft 
palate. 

Vagabond Disease. — Pediculosis vestimentorum. 
Validol (Menthol Valerianate or Valerianic-Acid Men* 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 177 

thol). — An oily liquid, first introduced by Schwersenski, 
possessing the properties of dissolving considerable quan- 
tities of pure menthol, from which the irritating properties 
are also removed. It contains thirty per cent of menthol. 
Used in trigeminal neuralgia, cardialgia, catarrhal angina, 
neurasthenia, and hysteria. Dose, gtt. xii. on sugar p.r.n. 
It may be used externally for sore throat or as an inhalation 
for sea-sickness. Also used as a stomachic and carmina- 
tive. 

Valsol.- — Yaselina oxygenata or vasogen. 

Vasogen. — Vaseline treated by an excess of oxygen, 
which makes an emulsion with water. It forms an excip- 
ient for iodine, ichthyol, menthol, iodoform, chrysarobin, 
guaiacol, etc., which are incorporated during the manufac- 
ture. Its greatest advantage seems to be its ability to 
penetrate the pores of the skin more than any other remedy. 
The iodine vasogen is of service in epididymitis, inguinal 
swellings, and skin diseases. Vasogen mercurial ointment 
for the inunction treatment of syphilis can now be obtained 
in convenient though expensive capsules. 

Vasothion. — A remedy said to contain ten per cent of 
sulphur with vasogen (Apoth. Zeitung, xiv., p. 155). It 
may be applied either pure, in ointment, or emulsion for 
chronic skin diseases. 

Venesection and intravenous infusion of salt solution 
is a form of treatment in eclampsia advocated by Cutler 
(Bost Med. and Surg. Jour., March 30, 1899). 

Vesuvin. — This staining agent is a triamido-azobenzene 
hydrochloride employed as a differential stain for the 
diphtheria bacillus. 
12 



178 HANDY BOOK OF 

Vicarious Urination.— A condition described by Dr. 
A. T. Rice, of Woodstock, Ont., in which, with almost 
total suppression of urine, there was an exudation of fluid 
from the anterior portions of the lower limbs between the 
knee and ankle. The fluid was voided three times daily at 
regular intervals, in gradually increasing amounts, the 
average being thirty to forty ounces a day. The fluid was 
amber-colored, with a specific gravity of 1.010, without 
albumin or sugar, and had a strong smell of urine on boil- 
ing, with a distinct ammoniacal smell after standing ; uric 
acid was found on examination. There was no abrasion of 
the skin, no oedema ; the fluid simply oozed out. For the 
want of a better term, the condition was named vicarious 
urination. 

Vimbos. — A fluid beef, manufactured in Scotland, which 
contains, according to Dr. Stevenson Macadam : 

Nitrogeneous organic matter 50. 86 

Fatty bodies 1.81 

Saline matters 23. 51 

Moisture 24.12 

Walker Gordon Milk, or "Modified Milk. "—Depots 
have been established in various large cities to supply from 
the laboratory infant food with any desired proportion 
of fat, milk sugar, albuminoids, etc., according to the phy- 
sician's prescription for each particular case, just as medi- 
cines are ordered from the druggist. Order blanks in pre- 
scription form are supplied on demand. 

Weichselbaum's Diplococcus. — The diplococcus in- 
tracellulars of Weichselbaum is the recognized specific 
germ of epidemic cerebro-spinal meningitis. It has re- 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 179 

cently been demonstrated by Gwyn in the blood during 
life. It is found in the fluid obtained by lumbar puncture, 
and in the pus from joints. 

Weil's Disease (Acute Febrile or Infectious Icterus). — 
A disease first described by Weil and characterized by 
the sudden invasion of chills, fever, jaundice, headache, 
pains in the back, limbs, and muscles, albuminuria, and 
enlargement of the spleen. Mild delirium and coma some- 
times occur. Men are far more frequently attacked than 
women, and butchers seem to be particularly susceptible. 
Holz has reported an instance in a woman fifty -one years 
of age. The jaundice is an obstructive one, the stools being 
clay-colored and the urine rich in bile pigment. The 
disease lasts from one to two weeks as a rule, but re- 
currences are not infrequent. The treatment is purely 
symptomatic. Calomel or salts at the beginning; later 
antipyretics and stomachics. Later experiments seem 
to show that this disease is a proteus infection. Lib- 
man (Phil. Med. Jour., March 18, 1899) prefers to desig- 
nate these cases as "infections by the bacillus proteus 
(fluorescens)." 

Westphal's Symptom (Loss of Knee-jerk).— Seen in 
locomotor ataxia, anterior poliomyelitis, myelitis in the 
lumbar region, multiple neuritis (alcohol, diphtheria, dia- 
betes, trauma, etc.), general paresis, Friedreich's disease 
(hereditary ataxia), and occasionally in cachexia and per- 
nicious anaemia. 

Widal. — A name associated with the serum reaction, 
the serum test, or the serum diagnosis of typhoid fever. 



180 HANDY BOOK OF 

The test is based upon the principle that if a drop of 
properly diluted blood serum, from a person suffering with 
typhoid fever, be brought into contact with a living culture 
of typhoid bacilli, the latter will lose their activity and 
become grouped or agglutinated into small masses or 
"clumps." This may be seen niacroscopically or micro- 
scopically. For purposes of diagnosis, however, the latter 
method, with examination in the hanging drop, is the only 
reliable one. The dilution to be preferred is 1 :10 — i.e., 1 
part of serum to 10 of distilled water. Dilutions of a lesser 
degree are not so apt to be accurate. The culture used 
ought not to be more than twenty -four hours old. Any 
culture, however, in which the bacilli are active will answer. 
As a rule, the reaction is not found before the sixth or sev- 
enth day, though cases have been observed in which it was 
seen as early as the third. On the other hand, it may not 
appear until the relapse. From the statistics which have 
been gathered up to the present date, it may be said with 
all fairness that in ninety to ninety-five per cent of the 
cases a positive " Widal " means typhoid fever. The ab- 
sence of this reaction does not, however, exclude typhoid. 
There is a margin of error in from five to ten per cent of 
the cases ; this is accounted for by the fact that a positive 
Widal has been observed in cerebro-spinal meningitis, 
acute articular rheumatism, phthisis, pneumonia, influenza, 
meningitis. Becent experiments have shown that the blood 
of a person who has recovered from typhoid fever may give 
the Widal reaction for from six months to one year after the 
attack. 

The blood for examination may be collected in capillary 
tubes or on cover glasses and slides. If collected on 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 181 

slides it is advisable to procure three drops, so that two 
may act as control tests for the third. 

Williamson's Blood Test for Diabetes. — Place in a 
narrow test tube 40 c.mm. of water and 20 c.mni. of blood; 
to this add 1 c.c. of methyl-blue solution (1 : 6,000) and 40 
c.mm. of liquor potassse. Place the tube in a water-pot 
which is kept boiling. If the blood is that of a diabetic 
patient, the blue color disappears in four minutes and be- 
comes yellow. In non-diabetic blood, the blue color 
remains. 

Winckel's Disease.— An epidemic disease of the new- 
born, described by Winckel and characterized by cyanosis, 
afebrile icterus, hemoglobinuria, and marked nervous 
symptoms. The course of the disease is rapid, death al- 
most invariably resulting in from a few hours to four 
days. 

Winkler's Bodies. — Spherical forms found in the 
lesions of lues. Each body has an eccentric light spot; 
they are stained with thiodin and toluidin-blue and discol- 
ored with formalin. Unna regards them as a product of 
syphilis differing from blastomycetes, hyaline products, 
etc. 

Winkler's Reaction. — A test for determining the pres- 
ence of free hydrochloric acid in the stomach contents. To 
a small quantity of stomach contents filtered into a porce- 
lain dish or spoon add a few grains of dextrose ; pour into 
this a few drops of a-naphthol solution and heat gently. 
The presence of free hydrochloric acid is shown by the de- 
velopment of a violet-blue color which soon changes to an 
inkish black. 



182 HANDY BOOK OF 

Wolffs Mixture.— 

Sodium sulphate | i. 

Potassium sulphate 3 i£. 

Sodium chlorate § i. 

Sodium carbonate 3 vi. 

Sodium borate 3 iiss. 

M. S. Half a teaspoonful in a half glassful of water three times 
a day. 

Used in cases of hyperchlorhydria or excessive produc- 
tion of hydrochloric acid. 

Woillez's Disease. — An idiopathic pulmonary conges- 
tion, following an exposure or sometimes traumatism. It 
differs from pneumonia in the absence of severe and pro- 
longed rigor. The temperature rises rapidly to 40° or 
40.5° C, and there is slight expectoration. The affected 
side may appear increased in size ; expiration is prolonged 
and inspiration somewhat interrupted. The duration is 
two to five days, and there may be a relapse. On post- 
mortem there is found congestion without consolidation. 
Treatment is by dry-cupping, poultices to relieve the pain, 
and quinine internally. 

Writer's Cramp. — According to Monell (Med. Record, 
July 23, 1898) this is not a neurosis, but the result of mal- 
nutrition. He advises first a " warming-up application " to 
quicken the circulation, then general nutritional muscular 
contractions, and finally refreshing, restful, nutritional ap- 
plications; the total treatment requiring ten minutes. 

Xanthopsia. — Yellow vision; sometimes observed after 
the administration of santonin. 

Xeroform (Tribromphenol Bismuth). — An almost odor- 
less and tasteless antiseptic powder for internal and external 



MEDICAL PROGRESS. 183 

medication. It has deodorizing qualities, diminishes se- 
cretions, and as a rule is non-irritating. It has been used 
in intestinal affections (flatulence, constipation, atony), 
tuberculous processes, and skin diseases. In powder and 
salve form it has proved useful in diseases of the eye, 
eczema of the lids, follicular and pustular conjunctivitis. 
The internal dose is gr. viiss. t.i.d. 

Ehrmann (Wiener mediz. Blatter, No. 22, 1898) has 
found it very efficacious in balanitis, moist eczema, chan- 
croids, suppurating buboes, and clean operative wounds. 

Xerostomia. — Dry mouth. 

Xylol. — A hydrocarbon used as an external application 
in variola, and in microscopical work for the cleansing of 
lenses and the dehydration of cut specimens. It resembles 
benzene. 

Yerbazin. — Used as a vehicle for quinine and other 
bitter medicines. 

Yerba Santa. — The syrup is used as a stimulant expec- 
torant, but particularly as a vehicle for the administration 
of quinine. It disguises the bitter taste of quinine better 
than any other preparation. The aromatic syrup is pre- 
ferred by some. 

Ziehl's Solution. — A fluid used for the staining of tu- 
bercle and lepra bacilli. It consists of a five-per-cent aque- 
ous solution of carbolic acid, to which is added one-tenth 
its volume of a saturated alcoholic solution of fuchsin. 
The specimen is first heated for three minutes in this solu- 
tion, with the result that the entire specimen — tubercle 
bacilli, epithelium, debris, other bacteria — is stained red. 



184 HANDY BOOK OF MEDICAL PROGRESS. 

Then the specimen is decolorized with a twenty- or thirty- 
per-cent solution of nitric acid. Owing to the tenacity with 
which the tubercle bacilli retain the solution, everything 
except these lose their color. The specimen may be ex- 
amined with an oil immersion at once, or preferably after 
using a differential stain of methylene blue (five per cent) 
or Bismarck brown. The tubercle bacilli appear red, all 
other bacteria blue. 

Zoolak. — A new name for Matzoon, applied to the 
preparation originally introduced into America by Dr. 
Dadirrian, to distinguish it from others. 

Zoophobia. — Emotional fear of animals as experienced 
by human beings. 



ADDENDA 



Fehling's Solution. — In testing a specimen of urine for 
sugar with this solution care should be exercised lest the 
reduction be due to other substances, such as acetanilid, 
sulphonal, antipyrin, chloral hydrate, salol, salicylates, 
and senna. Before testing, always ask if the patient has 
taken any of these. 

Ferrip ton.— Introduced by E. A. Kunze, of Kadebeul, 
as a therapeutic agent for chlorosis and ansemia. It is 
said to contain four per cent of iron, seven per cent of pro- 
teids, and eighty-nine per cent of water. 

Ferropyrin. — Chloride cf iron and antipyrin, said to 
contain sixty-four per cent antipyrin, twenty -four per cent 
chlorine, and twelve per cent iron. A reddish, non-hygro- 
scopic powder, used internally for anaemia, migraine, and 
neuralgia, externally in epistaxis, gonorrhoea, and local 
hemorrhages. Internal dose, gr. v.-xv. in solution. For 
external use, one to twenty per cent solution. 

Guaiperol (Guaiacolate of Piperidine). — An English 
preparation recommended for phthisis. It is claimed to 
possess the antiseptic properties of guaiacol with the vas- 
cular tonic action of piperidine. Dose, gr. x. twice daily 
in cachets. 



J ! > L 28 1899 



